Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of several explosions and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The situation has prompted allegations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Attack
The socialist regime has accused the US of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the South American country. In an official announcement, the government confirmed that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and mineral wealth," the government declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the world to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered millions of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted
Residents described hearing roughly several detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in various areas allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," commented one local.
Smoke was reported rising from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on X that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an swift meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate security measures at its border with its neighbor.
Background
The alleged strikes are preceded by a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial naval buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
The government has announced "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defence plans to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "repudiate this foreign aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon did not immediately addressed requests for clarification regarding the events.
