Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple explosions and the sound of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This incident has prompted claims from the Venezuelan government and requests for international action.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent administration has accused the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump allegedly directed strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had hit Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.
The government urged the global community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international norms" that endangered numerous of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Residents described hearing roughly multiple powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in different districts reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the distance," stated one local.
Black smoke was observed billowing from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is reported to live.
Global Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would activate operational plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
These alleged attacks are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant American military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of emergency" and ordered all defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this foreign act."
The White House and the Pentagon have not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
