Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Reports emerged of several blasts and the roar of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked claims from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for global action.
Caracas Blames US of Military Action
The incumbent administration has condemned the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the South American nation. In an official statement, the authorities asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to denounce the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered countless of lives in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported hearing at least several detonations around the middle of the night local time. Residents in several areas reportedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the area," commented one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
International Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He requested an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged attacks follow a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant American military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this foreign attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the events.
