Blasts and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts emerged of several blasts and the roar of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This incident has led to claims from Venezuela's authorities and calls for global action.
Caracas Condemns US of Attack
Venezuela's socialist regime has accused the US of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump supposedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American country. In an official declaration, the government confirmed that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," the government asserted.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to condemn the actions, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered millions of civilians in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Locals described hearing roughly seven detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in various districts allegedly ran into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," said one resident.
Black smoke was reported pouring from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
International Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He requested an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate operational plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged attacks follow a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant American military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.
The government has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defence plans to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this external attack."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.