Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of several explosions and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This incident has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan government and demands for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent administration has condemned the United States of what it calls "foreign aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump reportedly directed strikes against the South American country. In an official declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had hit the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its oil and resources," the statement declared.
The government called on the global community to censure the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that placed millions of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported hearing at least seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in several areas allegedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the area," commented one local.
Smoke was observed rising from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate defense plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks come after a months-long pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro regime. Since August, there has been a significant naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
The administration has declared "the implementation of emergency" and directed all defense protocols to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this external act."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not immediately addressed inquiries for comment regarding the events.
