Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports emerged of numerous blasts and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. The event has led to claims from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for global scrutiny.
Caracas Blames Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist government has accused the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American state. In an official declaration, the government stated that strikes had hit the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, especially its oil and resources," Venezuela said.
Caracas appealed to the global community to denounce the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered countless of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Locals reported hearing approximately seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. People in several neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the sky," stated one witness.
Black smoke was seen billowing from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
International Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He called for an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would activate security protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
These reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defense measures to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist act."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not immediately commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.
