Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous explosions and the noise of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The situation has led to allegations from Venezuela's government and demands for international intervention.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Military Action
The authoritarian administration has blamed the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an public declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its crude oil and resources," Venezuela asserted.
The government urged the world to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered millions of civilians in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Locals spoke of feeling roughly seven explosions around the middle of the night local time. People in several districts reportedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," said one resident.
Smoke was observed billowing from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is reported to live.
International Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would initiate security measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged attacks follow a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.
The administration has stated "the implementation of emergency" and directed all defense plans to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this foreign aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department did not promptly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
