Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous explosions and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This incident has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames US of Military Action
The socialist administration has accused the United States of what it calls "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the Latin American nation. In an public statement, the authorities asserted that attacks had hit the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its oil and resources," the government asserted.
The government urged the international community to censure the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that put millions of lives in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Locals reported hearing roughly several detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different areas allegedly rushed into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the distance," stated one witness.
Black smoke was seen pouring from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Response
The president of bordering Colombia, stated on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He requested an urgent emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would activate defense measures at its border with its neighbor.
Background
These reported strikes are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, there has been a substantial naval buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.
The government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "reject this imperialist act."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not immediately responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
