Reports surfaced of several blasts and the roar of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The incident has sparked accusations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.
The socialist administration has condemned the United States of an act of "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the South American country. In an public statement, the government asserted that attacks had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and resources," the government said.
Caracas called on the global community to denounce the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that put numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Eyewitnesses reported experiencing at least seven detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in various districts reportedly rushed into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and planes in the sky," commented one resident.
Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is believed to live.
The president of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate security measures at its frontier with its neighbor.
These alleged strikes follow a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on boats suspected of narco-trafficking.
The administration has stated "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defense measures to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not promptly commented on requests for clarification regarding the allegations.
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