Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of several blasts and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. This event has led to allegations from Venezuela's government and calls for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian government has condemned the United States of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump reportedly directed military strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal statement, the government asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and resources," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the world to denounce the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that put numerous of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses described experiencing approximately several explosions around the middle of the night local time. Residents in different districts reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, wrote on X that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, said it would activate defense measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported strikes come after a months-long military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since August, authorities reported a substantial American military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
The government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department did not publicly responded to requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
