Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports surfaced of numerous detonations and the roar of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The event has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and calls for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses US of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist regime has condemned the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump supposedly directed military strikes against the South American country. In an public declaration, the authorities confirmed that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's key assets, in particular its crude oil and minerals," the statement said.
The government called on the global community to condemn the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed countless of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Locals reported hearing at least seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. People in different areas allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We heard explosions and aircraft in the distance," commented one resident.
Plumes of smoke was observed billowing from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
International Response
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on social media that "Currently they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He requested an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate defense protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks come after a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, authorities reported a major US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on boats suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "denounce this external attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly commented on requests for comment regarding the events.