Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple blasts and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This incident has sparked allegations from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Blames US of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has accused the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump allegedly directed strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public announcement, the government stated that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its oil and mineral wealth," the statement declared.
The government appealed to the world to denounce the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that put numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses reported feeling approximately seven detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in several neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," commented one local.
Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, said it would activate defense protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
The reported attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, there has been a major US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
The government has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this external act."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not immediately responded to inquiries for comment regarding the events.