Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports surfaced of numerous blasts and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. This incident has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has accused the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly authorized military strikes against the South American nation. In an formal statement, the government confirmed that strikes had hit the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this attack is to seize control of our nation's key assets, notably its oil and resources," the government declared.
Caracas appealed to the world to condemn the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that placed countless of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted
Residents reported experiencing at least several detonations around 2 a.m. local time. People in several districts reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," stated one resident.
Smoke was seen pouring from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
Global Response
The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate operational protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
The reported attacks follow a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant US military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.
The government has announced "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all defense protocols to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this external attack."
The White House and the Defense Department did not promptly commented on requests for comment regarding the events.
