Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This incident has prompted allegations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames US of Attack
The socialist administration has blamed the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the South American country. In an public declaration, the government confirmed that strikes had targeted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its crude oil and mineral wealth," the statement declared.
The government appealed to the global community to censure the actions, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered countless of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted
Locals described feeling approximately multiple powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in several neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," commented one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, wrote on social media that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate security protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported strikes are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major American military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist attack."
The White House and the Pentagon did not promptly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the events.
