Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of multiple explosions and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The situation has led to claims from Venezuela's authorities and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Blames United States of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian government has condemned the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," stating that former President Trump reportedly directed strikes against the Latin American country. In an public statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its petroleum and resources," Venezuela asserted.
The government appealed to the world to censure the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses described experiencing approximately several detonations around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in several areas reportedly ran into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We heard blasts and planes in the sky," commented one local.
Smoke was seen pouring from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Regional Response
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate security measures at its border with Venezuela.
Context
These alleged attacks come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defence protocols to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this foreign act."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not promptly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
