Blasts and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports emerged of multiple explosions and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The incident has sparked claims from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for international action.
Venezuela Accuses US of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has blamed the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," stating that former President Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the Latin American nation. In an official statement, the authorities stated that attacks had targeted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela asserted.
Caracas urged the global community to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Hit
Locals spoke of experiencing approximately several detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in several areas allegedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and jets in the area," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was seen rising from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
International Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He requested an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would activate security plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
These alleged strikes follow a months-long pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major American military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and directed all defense plans to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this external attack."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not promptly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the events.
