🔗 Share this article

Witness testimonies surfaced of numerous explosions and the sound of low-flying jets in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked claims from Venezuela's leadership and demands for international action.

Venezuela Accuses US of Attack

Venezuela's authoritarian administration has blamed the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the South American country. In an public declaration, the government stated that strikes had targeted the capital and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"Our sole aim of this attack is to gain control of our nation's key assets, notably its crude oil and resources," Venezuela said.

Caracas urged the international community to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered countless of lives at risk in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted

Eyewitnesses spoke of feeling roughly multiple detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in various areas allegedly hurried into the streets outside.

"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," said one witness.

Black smoke was observed pouring from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is reported to reside.

Global Response

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an swift emergency session of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with Venezuela.

Preceding Events

These alleged attacks are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major naval buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.

The administration has announced "a state of external threat" and ordered all defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this external act."

American officials and the US Department of Defense have not publicly responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.