Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple explosions and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The situation has led to allegations from the Venezuelan government and calls for global action.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Military Action
The incumbent administration has condemned the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly authorized strikes against the South American country. In an official declaration, the government asserted that attacks had targeted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to seize control of our nation's key assets, notably its oil and minerals," the government declared.
The government called on the international community to condemn the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that put numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses reported experiencing approximately seven explosions around the middle of the night local time. People in several districts allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and planes in the distance," said one witness.
Black smoke was seen billowing from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
International Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate defense protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
The alleged attacks come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
The government has announced "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defence measures to be activated. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "reject this imperialist aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department have not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
