Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of multiple explosions and the roar of low-flying planes in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. This incident has prompted accusations from Venezuela's government and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent government has blamed the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly directed strikes against the South American nation. In an formal statement, the government asserted that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and resources," Venezuela said.
The government called on the international community to denounce the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that put millions of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of feeling approximately several detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," said one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would activate operational plans at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged attacks follow a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant naval presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats linked to illegal activities.
The administration has stated "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all defense protocols to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this imperialist aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon did not publicly commented on requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
