Caracas (Web Desk):
After Iraq, in what is being described as an attempt to seize control of oil and mineral resources, the US military, acting on the orders of US President Donald Trump, has carried out attacks on various locations in Venezuela, including the capital. Loud explosions were heard in Caracas, the sound of aircraft was reported, and low-flying planes were seen over several areas.
According to US media, President Donald Trump ordered the attacks in Venezuela, and at least seven explosions occurred in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. A US official told a news agency that the United States is carrying out military strikes against Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has confirmed that the attacks took place in Caracas as well as in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
The Venezuelan government has stated that the purpose of these US attacks is to seize Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources. Responding to the attacks, Venezuelan officials said that the United States would not succeed in taking control of their resources and that they reject US military aggression. Following the attacks, the Venezuelan president imposed a state of emergency across the country.
Meanwhile, Russian media has claimed that Venezuelan defense headquarters were targeted in the US attacks and that the Venezuelan president has left the presidential palace. Russian outlets also reported unconfirmed information suggesting that US Marines have begun ground operations on several Venezuelan islands. In this context, Colombia’s president stated that missiles are being fired at Caracas and called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council over the attacks on the capital.
According to media reports, electricity has been cut off in southern Caracas, residents have been instructed to limit movement, and clouds of smoke have been seen rising from various locations. Near a building close to a water reservoir in Caracas, flames and thick smoke were observed. An explosion reportedly occurred near or around the main military base, Fortuna, which is considered an important military installation. Several explosions were heard one after another in the area, after which the power supply was also disrupted.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Colombia has issued a warning for American citizens regarding Venezuela, advising them not to travel to Venezuela in light of reports of explosions in and around the country. The embassy said that US citizens currently in Venezuela should immediately move to safe locations.
On the other hand, Russia has openly stepped in to protect an oil tanker heading to Venezuela and has warned the United States to stop pursuing the vessel. At the diplomatic level, Russia has demanded that the US cease its continued pursuit of the Venezuelan oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean, calling the action a violation of international law that could further escalate tensions.
According to reports, the Venezuelan oil tanker Bella One is currently in the Atlantic Ocean and is attempting to evade the US Coast Guard, while US forces have been pursuing the ship continuously for nearly two weeks. The US maintains that the tanker is involved in oil smuggling and is illegally transporting oil for Venezuela.
US officials stated that to increase pressure on Venezuela’s oil sector, the Trump administration had imposed sanctions on four companies operating in Venezuela’s oil industry. The purpose of these sanctions, according to US authorities, is to increase political and economic pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Russia has warned the United States to refrain from interference in the matter and to immediately withdraw from pursuing the ship, stating that such actions by the US could further heighten tensions in the region. It is noteworthy that the United States has already imposed strict sanctions on Venezuela, while Russia is considered a close ally of Venezuela.