🔗 Share this article

Accounts circulated of multiple explosions and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This event has led to allegations from the Venezuelan government and calls for international action.

Venezuela Condemns Washington of Aggression

Venezuela's authoritarian regime has accused the US of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly directed strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal statement, the government stated that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"The only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its oil and minerals," the statement asserted.

Caracas appealed to the world to denounce the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that placed countless of lives in danger.

Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit

Locals reported experiencing at least multiple detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in several districts reportedly rushed into the open.

"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and planes in the distance," commented one resident.

Smoke was observed billowing from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.

International Reaction

The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.

Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate defense protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.

Background

These reported strikes come after a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial American military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.

The administration has declared "a state of emergency" and ordered all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "reject this foreign act."

The White House and the US Department of Defense have not publicly responded to requests for a statement regarding the reports.