Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts circulated of numerous blasts and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The event has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan government and calls for global intervention.
Venezuela Blames United States of Military Action
The socialist administration has condemned the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump supposedly directed military strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal statement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and resources," the government declared.
Caracas called on the world to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing approximately multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in various districts allegedly hurried into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," stated one resident.
Black smoke was observed pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate defense measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported attacks come after a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.
The administration has declared "a state of emergency" and ordered all defense plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to protest and "denounce this foreign attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
