Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Reports emerged of numerous detonations and the noise of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The incident has prompted claims from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent government has accused the United States of an act of "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the Latin American country. In an public statement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, especially its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela said.
Caracas called on the international community to censure the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered numerous of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted
Residents spoke of experiencing at least multiple explosions around the middle of the night local time. People in several neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate operational measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
These reported attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro government. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.
The administration has announced "a state of external threat" and ordered all defense measures to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon have not immediately commented on inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
