Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Accounts emerged of several detonations and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The situation has led to allegations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for international action.
Caracas Accuses US of Attack
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has blamed the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly directed attacks against the South American state. In an official statement, the government confirmed that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its oil and mineral wealth," the government declared.
Caracas appealed to the international community to denounce the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that put countless of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing at least seven explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different districts allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the area," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
International Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate operational plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
The reported strikes are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Maduro government. Since last summer, authorities reported a major naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this imperialist attack."
The White House and the Defense Department did not immediately commented on requests for comment regarding the reports.
