Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of multiple detonations and the roar of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The situation has prompted claims from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for international action.
Caracas Accuses United States of Attack
The authoritarian administration has accused the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the South American state. In an formal announcement, the government asserted that attacks had targeted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and resources," the statement said.
Venezuelan officials urged the international community to denounce the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that put countless of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted
Locals reported experiencing at least several explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in various areas allegedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the sky," said one witness.
Black smoke was seen rising from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would initiate security measures at its border with Venezuela.
Context
These alleged attacks come after a extended military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, there has been a major naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.
The government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist attack."
The White House and the Pentagon did not promptly commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the events.
