Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Accounts circulated of numerous explosions and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for international intervention.
Caracas Blames Washington of Military Action
The incumbent administration has blamed the US of an act of "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly directed strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had hit Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its crude oil and resources," Venezuela asserted.
The government urged the global community to censure the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that put millions of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted
Locals described hearing approximately several explosions around the middle of the night local time. Residents in various neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," stated one local.
Black smoke was seen billowing from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He requested an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate security protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged attacks follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, there has been a significant naval presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
The government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defense measures to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "reject this imperialist act."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not immediately commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.
