Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of multiple blasts and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The situation has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Blames United States of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has accused the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the South American state. In an public declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.
Caracas urged the international community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that put numerous of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Locals described feeling roughly seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in various areas reportedly rushed into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard blasts and jets in the distance," stated one local.
Smoke was seen rising from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Global Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would activate defense plans at its border with its neighbor.
Background
The reported attacks follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial American military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has declared "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "repudiate this external act."
The White House and the Defense Department have not publicly responded to requests for clarification regarding the reports.
