Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Reports circulated of several explosions and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This event has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for global action.
Caracas Blames US of Military Action
The authoritarian regime has condemned the Washington of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the South American nation. In an official declaration, the government stated that strikes had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," the government asserted.
The government appealed to the world to denounce the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered numerous of lives in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported feeling approximately multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. People in various neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the sky," said one resident.
Smoke was reported billowing from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Regional Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
These alleged strikes follow a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.
The administration has stated "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all defense plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this imperialist act."
American officials and the Pentagon have not immediately responded to requests for a statement regarding the reports.
