Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports circulated of multiple explosions and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This event has sparked claims from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for international intervention.
Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has blamed the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the Latin American nation. In an public announcement, the government stated that attacks had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its petroleum and resources," Venezuela said.
Caracas called on the world to censure the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that placed numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Residents spoke of feeling at least seven detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different areas allegedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," commented one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an swift meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate operational protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported strikes follow a extended campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on boats suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all defense measures to be activated. It has also summoned its political forces to protest and "reject this foreign aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon have not immediately responded to requests for clarification regarding the events.
