Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of several explosions and the roar of low-flying jets in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This event has led to claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for diplomatic action.
Caracas Condemns US of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist regime has accused the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized strikes against the South American nation. In an formal statement, the government confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this attack is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and resources," the government said.
Venezuelan officials urged the world to censure the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered millions of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Residents reported experiencing at least several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in different neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," said one local.
Black smoke was seen billowing from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He requested an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate operational measures at its border with Venezuela.
Context
The reported attacks follow a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defense measures to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this foreign aggression."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not immediately responded to requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
