Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports surfaced of multiple explosions and the roar of low-flying jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The event has led to accusations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns US of Attack
The socialist government has blamed the US of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump reportedly directed strikes against the South American country. In an formal declaration, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, in particular its oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the world to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered countless of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses described feeling approximately seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in different neighborhoods reportedly ran into the open.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," stated one witness.
Smoke was reported pouring from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate security protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Context
These reported attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, there has been a major naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of emergency" and ordered all defense plans to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this imperialist attack."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
