Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts circulated of numerous blasts and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This incident has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for international intervention.
Caracas Accuses US of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist regime has condemned the Washington of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed strikes against the South American country. In an formal statement, the government stated that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its petroleum and resources," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials called on the international community to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that put numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Locals reported hearing approximately seven detonations around the middle of the night local time. People in several districts allegedly hurried into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the area," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Regional Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He called for an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate defense plans at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The alleged attacks are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial US military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "repudiate this imperialist act."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not publicly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the events.
