Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of multiple blasts and the roar of low-flying jets in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The event has led to accusations from the Venezuelan government and calls for international intervention.
Venezuela Condemns US of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent regime has condemned the United States of what it calls "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly directed military strikes against the Latin American country. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that strikes had impacted the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this attack is to take control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its petroleum and resources," Venezuela declared.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to censure the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that put countless of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Hit
Locals reported feeling approximately seven detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in several districts reportedly rushed into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the distance," stated one witness.
Black smoke was observed pouring from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
These reported attacks come after a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial naval deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of external threat" and commanded all defense protocols to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this external attack."
The White House and the Pentagon have not immediately addressed requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
