Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports circulated of numerous blasts and the noise of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The event has led to accusations from Venezuela's authorities and requests for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has condemned the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the Latin American country. In an public announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, notably its crude oil and resources," Venezuela declared.
Caracas called on the world to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed countless of lives in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Locals described feeling roughly several detonations around 2 a.m. local time. People in various districts allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and planes in the area," commented one witness.
Black smoke was seen billowing from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is reported to reside.
International Response
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He requested an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would activate defense protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
These alleged strikes follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Since August, authorities reported a major naval presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all national defence protocols to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "reject this imperialist act."
The White House and the Pentagon have not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
