Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts surfaced of numerous detonations and the noise of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This incident has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan government and demands for global intervention.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian government has condemned the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the Latin American state. In an official announcement, the government asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its oil and resources," the government declared.
Caracas appealed to the global community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that put millions of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported hearing roughly multiple detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in several districts allegedly ran into the open.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and jets in the distance," stated one local.
Black smoke was reported billowing from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is thought to reside.
International Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He requested an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate defense protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, there has been a major US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of external disturbance" and directed all defense measures to be activated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this external attack."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not publicly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
