Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts emerged of numerous blasts and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This incident has sparked accusations from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist administration has accused the United States of an act of "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump allegedly directed attacks against the South American nation. In an public declaration, the authorities stated that strikes had targeted the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," the government said.
The government urged the global community to denounce the actions, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered numerous of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Hit
Residents described hearing roughly seven detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in different neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We heard blasts and aircraft in the sky," stated one resident.
Smoke was observed billowing from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, said it would activate security plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
The reported strikes follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels linked to illegal activities.
The administration has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this external attack."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.