Blasts and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Reports circulated of numerous explosions and the roar of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This event has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns US of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has blamed the US of an act of "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the South American country. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had hit Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its crude oil and resources," Venezuela asserted.
The government called on the world to condemn the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of feeling approximately multiple detonations around 2:00 AM local time. People in several neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and planes in the sky," commented one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen rising from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
Regional Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He requested an swift meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported strikes follow a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro administration. Since August, there has been a major naval deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
The government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this external attack."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not immediately responded to requests for a statement regarding the events.
