Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports surfaced of several detonations and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. This situation has sparked accusations from Venezuela's government and demands for international intervention.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian government has accused the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the Latin American state. In an official statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, notably its oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
Caracas urged the international community to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that placed countless of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Targeted
Locals described experiencing at least seven detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in several districts reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," stated one local.
Smoke was seen billowing from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Currently they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would activate defense protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged attacks come after a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.
The administration has stated "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defence protocols to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "reject this imperialist act."
The White House and the Defense Department have not promptly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
