🔗 Share this article

Witness testimonies surfaced of several explosions and the noise of low-flying planes in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The event has prompted allegations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for international scrutiny.

Caracas Accuses Washington of Aggression

The incumbent government has condemned the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Trump supposedly directed strikes against the Latin American state. In an official announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"Our sole aim of this attack is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its oil and resources," the statement said.

Venezuelan officials urged the international community to condemn the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that put numerous of civilians in peril.

Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted

Locals spoke of hearing at least seven explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in various districts reportedly rushed into the streets outside.

"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," commented one local.

Black smoke was seen pouring from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.

Regional Reaction

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He requested an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.

Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with its neighbor.

Background

The alleged attacks are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's government has stated "a state of emergency" and ordered all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "reject this external act."

US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not immediately addressed requests for comment regarding the events.