Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Reports surfaced of numerous explosions and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for global intervention.
Venezuela Blames United States of Military Action
The authoritarian administration has condemned the Washington of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly directed military strikes against the South American nation. In an formal statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its oil and resources," the government asserted.
Venezuelan officials called on the world to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that put numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of feeling roughly seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in different areas reportedly rushed into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the distance," stated one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is thought to live.
International Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, said it would initiate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported attacks follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
The government has announced "a state of emergency" and ordered all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist attack."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not publicly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
