Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Reports surfaced of numerous blasts and the sound of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The incident has led to claims from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses US of Attack
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has accused the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly directed attacks against the South American nation. In an formal statement, the authorities stated that strikes had impacted the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's key assets, notably its oil and resources," Venezuela asserted.
The government urged the international community to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered numerous of lives in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses described experiencing approximately multiple powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. People in various areas allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the distance," stated one witness.
Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
International Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an swift meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate operational plans at its border with Venezuela.
Background
The reported strikes are preceded by a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial American military deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
The administration has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "denounce this external attack."
The White House and the Pentagon did not promptly commented on requests for comment regarding the events.
