Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Reports circulated of multiple blasts and the sound of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. This situation has led to accusations from the Venezuelan government and requests for international intervention.
Venezuela Blames US of Attack
The incumbent government has condemned the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump allegedly directed strikes against the South American country. In an formal statement, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to censure the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered countless of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Residents reported hearing roughly multiple explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in several neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," said one witness.
Smoke was observed billowing from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.
Global Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate operational measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These alleged attacks come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, there has been a major naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external threat" and directed all defense protocols to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to mobilize and "repudiate this foreign act."
American officials and the Pentagon have not promptly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the events.