Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. This situation has prompted claims from Venezuela's leadership and requests for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Aggression
The socialist administration has condemned the United States of what it calls "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an public announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela said.
Caracas urged the international community to censure the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that placed millions of lives in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing at least seven explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in various districts reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," said one local.
Black smoke was seen rising from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Global Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
The reported attacks follow a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Since last summer, there has been a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on boats accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "reject this imperialist aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon did not publicly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the events.
