Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports circulated of numerous explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The situation has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses US of Military Action
The socialist regime has condemned the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the South American nation. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's key assets, especially its oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the international community to denounce the strikes, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that placed numerous of lives in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Residents reported experiencing roughly seven explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in various areas allegedly hurried into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We heard blasts and planes in the area," commented one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is reported to reside.
Regional Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
These reported attacks follow a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major naval buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "denounce this external aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department have not promptly commented on requests for comment regarding the reports.
