Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts circulated of several detonations and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. This event has sparked accusations from Venezuela's authorities and requests for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames US of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian government has accused the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal announcement, the government stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its oil and resources," the statement asserted.
Caracas called on the international community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed millions of civilians in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Hit
Locals reported hearing approximately seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in different areas allegedly rushed into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," said one resident.
Black smoke was observed rising from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
International Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He called for an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate defense protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Background
These reported strikes follow a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant American military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of emergency" and commanded all defense plans to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "repudiate this foreign aggression."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not immediately responded to requests for a statement regarding the events.
