Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts circulated of numerous detonations and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked allegations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns US of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent government has accused the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the South American nation. In an formal statement, the government asserted that attacks had targeted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and minerals," the government declared.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the world to censure the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that placed countless of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of feeling at least seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in several districts reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard blasts and aircraft in the area," stated one resident.
Smoke was seen pouring from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Global Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate defense plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
These reported strikes are preceded by a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Since August, there has been a significant US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on vessels linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of external threat" and commanded all defense plans to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this external attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not immediately responded to requests for clarification regarding the events.
