Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts emerged of multiple detonations and the roar of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The event has led to allegations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for international action.
Venezuela Blames US of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent regime has blamed the US of committing "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the South American state. In an official declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the international community to condemn the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that placed numerous of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Locals reported hearing roughly seven detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. People in different districts reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard explosions and aircraft in the sky," said one local.
Black smoke was seen pouring from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would activate security plans at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported strikes follow a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, there has been a major US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to take to the streets and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to requests for clarification regarding the reports.
