Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple detonations and the noise of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The situation has led to allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for international scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses United States of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent government has condemned the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the South American nation. In an public announcement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this attack is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its oil and resources," Venezuela said.
The government appealed to the world to denounce the actions, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that put countless of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses described experiencing at least seven explosions around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in several areas allegedly rushed into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We heard blasts and jets in the area," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate defense protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The alleged strikes come after a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant US military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on boats linked to illegal activities.
The administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to protest and "denounce this external act."
American officials and the Defense Department did not immediately addressed requests for comment regarding the reports.
