Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous detonations and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. This event has prompted accusations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Accuses US of Military Action
The authoritarian regime has blamed the United States of an act of "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly directed attacks against the South American state. In an formal statement, the government stated that strikes 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 our nation's natural resources, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," the government said.
The government appealed to the international community to denounce the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of global law" that put millions of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Locals described feeling at least multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. People in different neighborhoods reportedly ran into the open.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard explosions and aircraft in the sky," said one resident.
Black smoke was seen pouring from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an swift meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate security plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Context
The alleged attacks come after a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major US military presence off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
The administration has declared "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this foreign aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department have not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
