Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of numerous blasts and the noise of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. The event has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Condemns US of Aggression
The socialist regime has blamed the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American state. In an official announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, notably its oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
The government appealed to the world to censure the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported feeling approximately multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Residents in several neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," said one witness.
Black smoke was observed rising from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
The reported strikes are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, there has been a substantial US military presence off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of emergency" and directed all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "repudiate this external act."
The White House and the Pentagon did not immediately commented on requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
