Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports circulated of multiple explosions and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. The situation has prompted claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for international action.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Military Action
The incumbent government has condemned the US of an act of "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the Latin American nation. In an official announcement, the government confirmed that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this attack is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and resources," the government asserted.
Caracas urged the world to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered countless of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses described experiencing roughly multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. People in various neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the sky," stated one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Global Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would initiate defense measures at its border with Venezuela.
Background
The reported attacks are preceded by a extended campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Since August, there has been a substantial American military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense plans to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to protest and "reject this imperialist act."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not immediately addressed requests for comment regarding the allegations.
