Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of multiple detonations and the roar of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This situation has prompted accusations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for global action.
Venezuela Blames US of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has accused the Washington of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American state. In an public declaration, the government stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its petroleum and resources," Venezuela declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to denounce the strikes, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered countless of civilians in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Residents spoke of experiencing roughly seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. People in various areas allegedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the sky," commented one local.
Black smoke was observed billowing from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is thought to live.
International Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate security plans at its border with its neighbor.
Context
The reported strikes follow a months-long pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro administration. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "denounce this external aggression."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not immediately addressed requests for comment regarding the allegations.
