Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports circulated of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This incident has led to claims from the Venezuelan government and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns United States of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist administration has accused the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an public statement, the government confirmed that attacks had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.
The government called on the global community to censure the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered millions of lives in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Residents spoke of feeling at least multiple detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in different neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We heard explosions and jets in the area," stated one witness.
Smoke was observed pouring from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Maduro is reported to reside.
International Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an swift meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would activate operational protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks are preceded by a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on vessels linked to illegal activities.
The government has stated "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "reject this imperialist aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department have not immediately addressed inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
