Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous detonations and the roar of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The incident has prompted claims from Venezuela's government and calls for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Accuses US of Aggression
The socialist government has condemned the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Trump reportedly directed attacks against the Latin American nation. In an public statement, the government stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its crude oil and resources," the statement asserted.
Caracas called on the global community to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Residents described hearing approximately multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in several neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the distance," said one local.
Black smoke was reported rising from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence.
International Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an swift emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate defense protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged strikes follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, there has been a major US military presence off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.
The government has declared "a state of emergency" and commanded all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this imperialist act."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not publicly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
