Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of multiple detonations and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. The event has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and requests for international intervention.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Aggression
The socialist regime has condemned the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had targeted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its oil and minerals," the statement said.
Venezuelan officials called on the international community to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered countless of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing roughly seven explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in different areas reportedly rushed into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, said it would initiate operational protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
The reported strikes come after a months-long military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
The administration has announced "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defence plans to be activated. It has also urged its supporters to mobilize and "reject this foreign act."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not immediately commented on inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
