Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports circulated of numerous detonations and the sound of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This incident has led to accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses US of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has accused the United States of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the South American nation. In an public statement, the government confirmed that attacks had impacted the capital and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and resources," the statement asserted.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that put numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses reported hearing at least seven detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in several areas allegedly rushed into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," said one local.
Black smoke was reported pouring from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate security protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Background
The reported attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on boats accused of illegal activities.
The government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this external aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not publicly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
