Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts emerged of numerous detonations and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This event has led to claims from Venezuela's authorities and demands for global scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Aggression
The incumbent government has blamed the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the South American nation. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that strikes had hit Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela asserted.
Caracas urged the international community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that put numerous of lives in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses described hearing at least multiple powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in various districts reportedly rushed into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the sky," stated one resident.
Black smoke was seen billowing from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an swift emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate defense protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks follow a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since August, there has been a major American military presence off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all defense plans to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this foreign aggression."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not promptly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the events.
