Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous blasts and the sound of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This situation has led to claims from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for global intervention.
Caracas Blames US of Aggression
The authoritarian administration has blamed the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the Latin American country. In an official statement, the government confirmed that attacks had hit Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this attack is to take control of our nation's key assets, especially its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela said.
The government urged the global community to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that put numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Hit
Residents spoke of feeling roughly seven explosions around 2 a.m. local time. People in several districts reportedly rushed into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the area," stated one local.
Black smoke was seen pouring from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate operational plans at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since August, there has been a major American military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on boats suspected of narco-trafficking.
The government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "reject this foreign aggression."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not immediately commented on requests for a statement regarding the reports.
