Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports emerged of several blasts and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The event has led to claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for international action.
Venezuela Condemns US of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist administration has condemned the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly directed strikes against the South American state. In an formal declaration, the government confirmed that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this attack is to take control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its oil and resources," the government declared.
Caracas appealed to the international community to denounce the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that put millions of lives in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses described feeling approximately seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in different districts allegedly ran into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the sky," commented one witness.
Black smoke was seen billowing from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational measures at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged strikes are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Maduro government. Since August, authorities reported a major American military deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
The government has announced "a state of external threat" and commanded all defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this external attack."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not immediately commented on inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
