Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts emerged of numerous detonations and the sound of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. This situation has led to allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for international action.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Aggression
The incumbent regime has condemned the US of an act of "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the South American state. In an public declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, especially its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to denounce the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that placed numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Residents spoke of hearing at least seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in different areas allegedly rushed into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and planes in the distance," stated one resident.
Smoke was seen pouring from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate operational measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
The reported strikes are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, there has been a significant American military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.
The government has declared "the implementation of external threat" and directed all defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "repudiate this external attack."
The White House and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to requests for clarification regarding the events.
