Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Reports surfaced of numerous explosions and the noise of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. This incident has prompted claims from the Venezuelan government and requests for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Blames United States of Military Action
The socialist administration has accused the US of what it calls "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal statement, the authorities asserted that attacks had impacted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," the statement said.
The government appealed to the world to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Locals reported experiencing approximately seven detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in various neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We heard blasts and aircraft in the area," said one local.
Black smoke was observed billowing from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would initiate security measures at its border with its neighbor.
Background
The reported strikes are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial American military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.
The administration has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all defense plans to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not publicly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.