Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous blasts and the roar of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The incident has led to allegations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for global intervention.
Caracas Accuses United States of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent administration has blamed the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump supposedly directed strikes against the Latin American state. In an public statement, the government confirmed that strikes had impacted the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its petroleum and minerals," the government asserted.
Caracas urged the international community to denounce the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that placed countless of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported experiencing roughly multiple explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in several neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," commented one local.
Plumes of smoke was observed rising from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is thought to reside.
International Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, wrote on social media that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an swift emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would initiate operational plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These alleged strikes are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on vessels linked to illegal activities.
The administration has announced "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist attack."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not publicly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
