Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Reports surfaced of several detonations and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This event has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Military Action
The authoritarian administration has accused the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal declaration, the government confirmed that strikes had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and resources," Venezuela said.
The government appealed to the international community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that placed millions of lives in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Locals described experiencing approximately seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. People in different areas reportedly ran into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and jets in the area," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was seen rising from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is reported to live.
Global Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would initiate operational measures at its border with its neighbor.
Background
The alleged attacks are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.
The government has declared "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all defense measures to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon have not promptly addressed requests for clarification regarding the events.
