Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts emerged of several detonations and the roar of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. The incident has prompted claims from Venezuela's leadership and calls for global action.
Caracas Blames US of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist regime has condemned the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the Latin American state. In an formal announcement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," the statement declared.
Caracas urged the world to censure the strikes, which it described a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Locals reported experiencing approximately several explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in various areas allegedly ran into the open.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the area," stated one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is thought to live.
Global Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate operational protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Background
These reported attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major naval buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of external threat" and ordered all defense measures to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this imperialist attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
