Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts surfaced of several detonations and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The incident has prompted claims from the Venezuelan government and calls for international action.
Caracas Accuses United States of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has accused the United States of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump reportedly directed strikes against the South American nation. In an public statement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its petroleum and mineral wealth," the government said.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that placed millions of civilians in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses described experiencing at least several powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Residents in several areas reportedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the distance," stated one local.
Smoke was seen pouring from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would activate security plans at its border with its neighbor.
Context
The alleged attacks follow a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, there has been a major naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all defense measures to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "reject this imperialist act."
American officials and the Defense Department have not immediately addressed inquiries for comment regarding the events.
