Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of numerous explosions and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This incident has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and requests for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Blames US of Military Action
The authoritarian government has blamed the United States of what it calls "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump supposedly ordered strikes against the South American nation. In an public statement, the government asserted that strikes had hit the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," the statement said.
The government urged the global community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered millions of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported feeling roughly several explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in several districts reportedly rushed into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," said one local.
Smoke was reported rising from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate operational protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
The reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, there has been a substantial US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
The government has announced "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defence plans to be activated. It has also summoned its political forces to protest and "denounce this imperialist act."
American officials and the Pentagon have not promptly addressed requests for clarification regarding the events.