Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Accounts emerged of multiple blasts and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. The situation has led to accusations from Venezuela's government and requests for diplomatic action.
Caracas Condemns US of Attack
Venezuela's socialist regime has accused the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the South American nation. In an public declaration, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's key assets, in particular its crude oil and resources," the government declared.
Caracas appealed to the world to denounce the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that put countless of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported hearing roughly seven explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in several neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the sky," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He requested an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate security measures at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These alleged strikes follow a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, there has been a substantial US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on boats suspected of narco-trafficking.
The administration has declared "a state of emergency" and ordered all defense measures to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to protest and "denounce this foreign attack."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not publicly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
