Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of multiple explosions and the roar of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The event has prompted claims from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for diplomatic action.
Caracas Condemns US of Military Action
The socialist regime has blamed the Washington of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the South American country. In an public statement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," the statement declared.
The government appealed to the global community to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international norms" that put numerous of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Locals reported feeling at least several explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in various areas allegedly rushed into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," stated one witness.
Smoke was observed pouring from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.
Regional Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He requested an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would activate operational plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Context
The reported strikes come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on boats accused of illegal activities.
The government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "reject this external act."
The White House and the Pentagon have not immediately responded to requests for a statement regarding the reports.