Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts circulated of numerous blasts and the sound of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. This situation has prompted claims from Venezuela's authorities and calls for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Blames United States of Military Action
The socialist government has accused the US of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump supposedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal announcement, the government stated that strikes had hit Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to denounce the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that put millions of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Locals described feeling at least seven explosions around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in various neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We heard blasts and jets in the distance," stated one local.
Smoke was observed pouring from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would initiate operational plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported strikes are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, there has been a significant US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on vessels linked to illegal activities.
The government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defense measures to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "denounce this imperialist attack."
The White House and the Pentagon have not promptly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the events.