Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of numerous explosions and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The situation has led to accusations from the Venezuelan government and demands for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Accuses US of Military Action
The authoritarian administration has accused the US of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an public announcement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had hit the capital and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," the statement declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the international community to censure the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Hit
Residents described hearing at least multiple detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in different districts reportedly rushed into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the area," commented one resident.
Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He requested an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate security measures at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged strikes are preceded by a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major US military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of external disturbance" and directed all defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this foreign act."
American officials and the Pentagon did not promptly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
