Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies surfaced of numerous blasts and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This event has led to claims from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for global action.
Venezuela Blames United States of Attack
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has condemned the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal announcement, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to take control of our nation's key assets, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the international community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that placed numerous of civilians in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of feeling approximately several explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in various areas reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and planes in the distance," commented one witness.
Smoke was observed pouring from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Global Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "Right now they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He requested an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would initiate security plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
The reported strikes are preceded by a extended military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since August, there has been a significant naval presence off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all defense protocols to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "repudiate this foreign act."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not immediately addressed inquiries for comment regarding the events.
