Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of several detonations and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The event has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and demands for international action.
Caracas Blames United States of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent government has blamed the US of what it calls "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the South American state. In an public statement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and resources," Venezuela declared.
The government called on the global community to censure the actions, which it described a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed numerous of civilians in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Locals described experiencing approximately seven explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in several districts allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," said one resident.
Smoke was reported pouring from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate operational plans at its border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of emergency" and commanded all defense measures to be activated. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "reject this external attack."
American officials and the Pentagon have not promptly commented on requests for clarification regarding the reports.
