Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts emerged of several detonations and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The situation has prompted claims from the Venezuelan government and requests for international action.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Aggression
The authoritarian regime has condemned the Washington of what it calls "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly directed strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal announcement, the government stated that strikes had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," the government asserted.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered countless of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted
Locals described hearing approximately multiple explosions around the middle of the night local time. People in various areas allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the distance," commented one resident.
Smoke was observed billowing from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is thought to reside.
International Response
The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would activate operational measures at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks follow a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all defense plans to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "denounce this foreign act."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
