Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports surfaced of several explosions and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The event has led to claims from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Aggression
The authoritarian government has condemned the Washington of what it calls "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the Latin American country. In an formal statement, the authorities stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its oil and minerals," the statement declared.
The government urged the global community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered numerous of civilians in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Hit
Residents spoke of feeling at least seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in several areas allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and planes in the sky," commented one resident.
Black smoke was observed billowing from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.
International Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would activate security protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
The reported attacks come after a prolonged campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, authorities reported a major US military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all defense protocols to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "reject this foreign aggression."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
