Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports surfaced of numerous detonations and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The incident has led to allegations from the Venezuelan government and requests for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Blames Washington of Aggression
The authoritarian administration has accused the Washington of an act of "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump reportedly directed military strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal announcement, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its crude oil and resources," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that put millions of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Residents described hearing roughly several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in various areas reportedly hurried into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We heard blasts and planes in the area," said one witness.
Black smoke was seen rising from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate operational protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks follow a extended military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, authorities reported a significant US military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.
The government has stated "a state of emergency" and commanded all defense plans to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to protest and "repudiate this external attack."
American officials and the Defense Department did not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
