Early Friday morning, the capital city of Caracas, Venezuela, was jolted awake by a series of powerful explosions. Witnesses reported seeing low-flying aircraft and thick black smoke billowing across the city around 2:00 am, with similar attacks quickly reported in other key states like Miranda and Aragua. The dramatic events prompted President Nicolás Maduro to declare a national emergency and mobilize the country’s defense forces.
In a swift and sharp response, Venezuela immediately accused the United States of orchestrating “military aggression.” While the White House remained silent on the matter, US officials reportedly told CBS News that these strikes followed direct orders from then-President Donald Trump, targeting not just the capital but also various military sites. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro further fueled the claims by publishing a list of bombed installations, including the significant Cuartel de la Montaña barracks, which houses the mausoleum of Maduro’s mentor, Hugo Chávez.
Venezuela’s government vehemently stated that the sole purpose of these attacks was to seize control of the nation’s rich oil and mineral resources, asserting that the US “will not succeed.” These strikes represent a significant escalation from previous maritime operations and have drawn strong condemnation from regional allies like Colombia and Cuba. The incident comes amidst already heightened tensions between the US and Venezuela, particularly concerning issues of illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The world watches closely as this volatile situation unfolds, with the potential for further international ramifications.
