Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of several blasts and the sound of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. This incident has led to accusations from Venezuela's authorities and requests for international intervention.
Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression
The incumbent administration has condemned the US of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an official declaration, the authorities confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, notably its petroleum and minerals," the statement said.
The government appealed to the global community to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that put millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted
Locals spoke of experiencing roughly multiple detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in different areas allegedly rushed into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," stated one local.
Smoke was seen pouring from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Regional Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would initiate security measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The alleged strikes follow a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all defense measures to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "repudiate this external aggression."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not immediately commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
