Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of multiple detonations and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This incident has prompted accusations from Venezuela's authorities and requests for global scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns US of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist administration has accused the United States of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump reportedly directed strikes against the South American state. In an public announcement, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and resources," the government said.
Venezuelan officials urged the world to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international norms" that put numerous of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses described hearing at least multiple explosions around 2 a.m. local time. People in different areas allegedly hurried into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the distance," stated one local.
Black smoke was observed rising from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is believed to live.
Regional Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate defense plans at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Since August, authorities reported a major naval buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of emergency" and directed all national defence protocols to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "reject this external attack."
The White House and the Pentagon did not publicly addressed requests for comment regarding the reports.
