Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of numerous explosions and the sound of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The situation has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan government and demands for global scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns United States of Attack
The incumbent administration has accused the Washington of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump reportedly directed attacks against the Latin American nation. In an formal announcement, the government stated that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials urged the international community to censure the strikes, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that endangered countless of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing roughly multiple detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in various neighborhoods reportedly ran into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," stated one local.
Smoke was reported rising from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is thought to live.
International Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged strikes follow a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, there has been a significant US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "a state of external threat" and directed all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "reject this foreign aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department have not publicly commented on requests for clarification regarding the reports.
