Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports emerged of several blasts and the sound of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The event has led to allegations from the Venezuelan government and demands for global scrutiny.
Caracas Blames US of Aggression
The socialist regime has accused the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed military strikes against the Latin American country. In an official statement, the authorities asserted that attacks had targeted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," the statement said.
The government appealed to the international community to censure the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit
Locals described experiencing approximately several detonations around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in various areas reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," commented one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Regional Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate defense measures at its frontier with its neighbor.
Context
The alleged strikes come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial American military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
The government has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "repudiate this foreign aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department did not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
