Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports surfaced of several detonations and the roar of low-flying jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This incident has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan government and calls for diplomatic action.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist administration has accused the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the South American country. In an formal declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had targeted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its oil and resources," the statement said.
Caracas appealed to the global community to condemn the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed numerous of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Locals described experiencing approximately multiple explosions around the middle of the night local time. People in different districts allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and planes in the sky," said one resident.
Smoke was observed billowing from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is reported to live.
International Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He called for an swift emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would initiate security plans at its border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged strikes come after a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant American military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
The administration has declared "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defence protocols to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "reject this external act."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not immediately responded to requests for clarification regarding the allegations.
