Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports circulated of multiple explosions and the roar of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This incident has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan government and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses United States of Military Action
The incumbent administration has accused the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the South American state. In an official announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its oil and mineral wealth," the government said.
The government appealed to the global community to denounce the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that put millions of civilians in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses described hearing roughly several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. People in several neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the open.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the area," commented one local.
Black smoke was observed pouring from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would activate security measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The alleged attacks follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, authorities reported a major American military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all defense plans to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "reject this foreign aggression."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not immediately commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
