Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports circulated of several detonations and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. The incident has led to claims from Venezuela's authorities and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames US of Military Action
The authoritarian government has accused the Washington of an act of "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Trump reportedly directed strikes against the South American country. In an official statement, the authorities stated that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials called on the international community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered millions of lives in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses described feeling roughly several detonations around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in several districts allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," said one witness.
Smoke was reported rising from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is believed to live.
International Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on X that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate operational measures at its border with Venezuela.
Context
The alleged attacks follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all defense plans to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "reject this foreign attack."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not publicly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
