Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of multiple detonations and the sound of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. This event has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns US of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has blamed the United States of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump reportedly directed military strikes against the South American nation. In an public statement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit the capital and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this attack is to gain control of our nation's key assets, notably its petroleum and resources," the statement asserted.
Caracas called on the world to condemn the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered countless of lives in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit
Locals described hearing roughly several explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. People in several districts reportedly hurried into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," stated one resident.
Smoke was seen rising from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "Currently they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate security measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
The alleged strikes come after a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, there has been a major US military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
The government has declared "a state of external threat" and directed all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "reject this imperialist act."
The White House and the Pentagon have not publicly commented on requests for comment regarding the reports.
