Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Accounts emerged of numerous blasts and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. This event has led to allegations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has blamed the Washington of an act of "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the Latin American nation. In an formal declaration, the government stated that attacks had targeted the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," the statement asserted.
The government appealed to the global community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered countless of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted
Locals reported experiencing roughly seven explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in different districts reportedly rushed into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," commented one witness.
Black smoke was seen rising from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational plans at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks are preceded by a extended military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, authorities reported a major naval deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
The government has declared "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "denounce this imperialist act."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not publicly responded to requests for clarification regarding the allegations.
