Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of numerous explosions and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This incident has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Accuses US of Military Action
The authoritarian government has accused the US of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the South American country. In an official statement, the authorities stated that strikes had hit the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its petroleum and resources," the government said.
Venezuelan officials called on the international community to condemn the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered countless of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing approximately seven explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in various areas allegedly hurried into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and planes in the area," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is believed to live.
Regional Response
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate operational protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged strikes come after a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major US military presence off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on ships accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has stated "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this foreign aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon did not promptly addressed requests for comment regarding the events.
