Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts circulated of numerous explosions and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. This situation has prompted claims from Venezuela's authorities and demands for global action.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent government has blamed the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly directed attacks against the South American nation. In an public statement, the government asserted that attacks had hit the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this attack is to seize control of our nation's key assets, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.
The government called on the global community to censure the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that put millions of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Residents reported experiencing at least seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in different neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We heard explosions and aircraft in the sky," said one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Maduro is reported to live.
International Response
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate defense protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These alleged strikes come after a extended campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, there has been a major American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
The government has stated "a state of emergency" and commanded all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this foreign act."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not publicly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the events.
