Blasts and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Reports emerged of several explosions and the sound of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. The situation has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Attack
The incumbent government has accused the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the Latin American country. In an public declaration, the government stated that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this attack is to seize control of our nation's key assets, notably its crude oil and resources," the government asserted.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that put numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported feeling roughly seven explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in various neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the area," stated one witness.
Plumes of smoke was observed billowing from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He requested an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate security protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The alleged attacks are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on boats suspected of illegal activities.
The government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this external act."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not immediately commented on inquiries for comment regarding the reports.