Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports circulated of several explosions and the sound of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The event has sparked accusations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Attack
Venezuela's socialist government has condemned the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly directed military strikes against the South American nation. In an official declaration, the government asserted that attacks had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its oil and minerals," the statement declared.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to denounce the strikes, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that placed countless of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses described experiencing approximately seven explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in several areas reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard blasts and planes in the area," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen rising from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate defense plans at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks come after a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial US military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of emergency" and commanded all defense plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to protest and "reject this external attack."
The White House and the Pentagon have not publicly commented on requests for clarification regarding the reports.
