Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of numerous explosions and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This situation has sparked accusations from Venezuela's authorities and requests for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns US of Military Action
The incumbent regime has accused the Washington of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump reportedly directed military strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal declaration, the government stated that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, especially its petroleum and resources," the government asserted.
Caracas urged the international community to denounce the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered countless of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Hit
Residents reported hearing approximately multiple detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in various districts reportedly ran into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and jets in the area," said one local.
Black smoke was reported billowing from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.
Global Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He requested an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would initiate defense protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, there has been a substantial American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
The government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not promptly responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.