Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts circulated of multiple explosions and the noise of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked claims from the Venezuelan government and calls for international intervention.
Venezuela Accuses US of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent government has accused the US of what it calls "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public declaration, the government asserted that attacks had targeted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials called on the global community to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported feeling at least seven explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in several neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," commented one resident.
Black smoke was observed rising from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an swift meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate security plans at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks come after a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on vessels linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "denounce this foreign act."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not promptly responded to requests for clarification regarding the events.
