Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of numerous explosions and the sound of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan government and demands for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Condemns US of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent government has blamed the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal statement, the authorities asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its oil and mineral wealth," the government said.
The government urged the world to denounce the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed countless of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of feeling at least several powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. People in several districts allegedly hurried into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and planes in the distance," said one witness.
Black smoke was reported billowing from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an swift meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate security protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
These reported strikes come after a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Maduro government. Since August, authorities reported a substantial US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.
The administration has declared "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defence measures to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "denounce this imperialist act."
American officials and the Pentagon did not publicly addressed requests for comment regarding the reports.
