Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts circulated of multiple detonations and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. The incident has prompted claims from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Blames US of Attack
Venezuela's socialist regime has accused the United States of committing "foreign aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the Latin American country. In an official statement, the authorities stated that attacks had hit Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," the statement declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the international community to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that put millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted
Residents described feeling roughly several explosions around the middle of the night local time. People in different areas allegedly hurried into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and jets in the area," commented one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would initiate defense protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged attacks come after a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant naval buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all defense protocols to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this external attack."
The White House and the Defense Department did not publicly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
