Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts emerged of several explosions and the roar of low-flying jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This event has led to accusations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression
The authoritarian administration has condemned the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the South American nation. In an official announcement, the government confirmed that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its oil and minerals," the statement asserted.
Caracas appealed to the international community to censure the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that placed numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit
Residents described hearing roughly multiple detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in several neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," commented one resident.
Black smoke was seen pouring from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate defense plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These alleged strikes are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial naval buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
The administration has declared "the implementation of external threat" and directed all defense plans to be activated. It has also summoned its political forces to protest and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not immediately commented on requests for comment regarding the events.
