Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports emerged of numerous explosions and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. This incident has sparked claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for international scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses US of Attack
The socialist regime has accused the United States of an act of "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Trump supposedly directed military strikes against the Latin American country. In an public announcement, the government stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its petroleum and resources," the statement asserted.
Caracas appealed to the world to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that put countless of lives in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted
Residents reported feeling at least seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. People in several areas reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the area," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence.
International Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate operational measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The reported strikes come after a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since August, authorities reported a major American military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense plans to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to protest and "repudiate this imperialist act."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not promptly responded to requests for a statement regarding the reports.
