Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts circulated of multiple explosions and the noise of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The incident has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan government and demands for global action.
Caracas Blames US of Attack
The socialist government has blamed the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the Latin American country. In an official announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its oil and minerals," the government said.
Caracas called on the global community to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed numerous of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted
Residents spoke of experiencing at least several detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in different districts allegedly rushed into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and jets in the distance," said one local.
Smoke was seen billowing from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Global Response
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on social media that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would activate security measures at its frontier with its neighbor.
Context
The reported attacks come after a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, there has been a significant American military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.
The administration has stated "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "denounce this imperialist attack."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not immediately responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
