Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports surfaced of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. This incident has prompted claims from Venezuela's leadership and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist administration has blamed the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the Latin American country. In an official announcement, the government asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Locals reported experiencing approximately multiple explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in various neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," stated one witness.
Black smoke was observed pouring from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
International Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He called for an swift meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, said it would initiate defense plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These alleged strikes come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, authorities reported a major US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of emergency" and commanded all defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "repudiate this external attack."
The White House and the Pentagon have not publicly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the events.
