Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of multiple blasts and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The situation has led to claims from the Venezuelan government and demands for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Attack
The authoritarian government has accused the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the Latin American nation. In an formal statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its oil and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
Caracas called on the global community to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Residents described experiencing roughly seven detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in several areas reportedly hurried into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the sky," stated one resident.
Smoke was observed rising from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate defense plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These alleged strikes are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Since August, there has been a substantial US military presence off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.
The government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "denounce this foreign aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon have not immediately commented on inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
