Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Reports emerged of numerous detonations and the sound of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This situation has led to accusations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Military Action
The authoritarian regime has accused the Washington of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official statement, the government stated that strikes had hit the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and mineral wealth," the statement said.
Caracas urged the world to condemn the actions, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that placed numerous of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing approximately multiple powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in several districts reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," commented one resident.
Smoke was seen rising from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, wrote on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate operational plans at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks follow a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
The government has announced "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to protest and "repudiate this external attack."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not promptly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
