🔗 Share this article

Reports emerged of several explosions and the noise of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The event has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for global action.

Caracas Condemns United States of Aggression

The incumbent regime has blamed the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump reportedly directed strikes against the Latin American state. In an public statement, the government stated that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"Our sole aim of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its crude oil and minerals," the statement asserted.

Venezuelan officials appealed to the world to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed numerous of civilians in danger.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted

Locals described feeling at least seven detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in different areas allegedly hurried into the streets.

"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," said one witness.

Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.

Regional Condemnation

The leader of neighboring Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.

Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate defense protocols at its border with its neighbor.

Background

These alleged attacks come after a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant naval presence off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.

The government has stated "a state of external threat" and directed all national defence plans to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this external act."

The White House and the US Department of Defense did not promptly commented on requests for comment regarding the events.