Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts surfaced of numerous blasts and the sound of low-flying jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This event has prompted claims from Venezuela's leadership and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns US of Aggression
The authoritarian administration has blamed the United States of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official announcement, the government stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and resources," the government declared.
Caracas called on the world to denounce the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that put numerous of lives in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Hit
Residents reported hearing approximately seven detonations around 2:00 AM local time. People in different neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the distance," commented one local.
Smoke was observed billowing from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate security plans at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, there has been a major US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on ships suspected of narco-trafficking.
The government has stated "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to protest and "reject this foreign aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon did not immediately commented on requests for clarification regarding the reports.
