Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Reports circulated of numerous detonations and the sound of low-flying jets in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked accusations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for global intervention.
Venezuela Blames US of Attack
The authoritarian government has blamed the United States of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump allegedly directed attacks against the South American state. In an public declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had impacted the capital and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this aggression is to take control of our nation's natural resources, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to condemn the actions, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that put millions of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Hit
Residents spoke of experiencing approximately seven explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in various neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the open.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and planes in the area," said one local.
Black smoke was seen pouring from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported strikes follow a months-long pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major naval buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this foreign attack."
The White House and the Pentagon have not promptly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
