Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports surfaced of multiple blasts and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The situation has led to claims from Venezuela's leadership and requests for global action.
Caracas Condemns US of Attack
The authoritarian regime has accused the Washington of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump supposedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal statement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," the government declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed countless of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing roughly multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We heard blasts and planes in the distance," said one resident.
Smoke was seen pouring from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is reported to reside.
Regional Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He requested an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate operational protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.
Context
These reported strikes come after a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial US military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this external aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon did not immediately commented on requests for a statement regarding the reports.
