Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts surfaced of numerous explosions and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. The incident has prompted accusations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for global intervention.
Caracas Accuses US of Aggression
The socialist regime has blamed the United States of what it calls "imperial aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed attacks against the South American country. In an formal announcement, the authorities asserted that strikes had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, notably its petroleum and minerals," the statement declared.
The government urged the world to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that put numerous of lives in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses reported feeling roughly multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. People in several areas reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and planes in the area," commented one local.
Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is thought to reside.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He requested an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate operational measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
These reported attacks come after a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Since August, authorities reported a significant naval buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.
The administration has announced "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "denounce this imperialist act."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the events.
