Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts circulated of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying jets in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The incident has led to accusations from the Venezuelan government and requests for international intervention.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has condemned the United States of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump supposedly directed strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal statement, the government stated that attacks had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its crude oil and minerals," the government declared.
Caracas urged the global community to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that put numerous of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing at least several explosions around 2:00 AM local time. People in several districts allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the area," said one witness.
Smoke was seen billowing from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is believed to have a residence.
International Response
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would activate operational protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Context
The alleged strikes come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant naval presence off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.
The administration has announced "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all defense protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "repudiate this imperialist aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon did not publicly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
