Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous detonations and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The event has led to claims from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for global intervention.
Caracas Blames United States of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent regime has accused the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Trump allegedly directed strikes against the Latin American state. In an official announcement, the government asserted that strikes had targeted the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, notably its petroleum and minerals," the statement asserted.
The government called on the world to condemn the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that placed numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted
Residents spoke of experiencing approximately multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. People in various districts reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the sky," commented one local.
Smoke was seen rising from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would activate defense plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major American military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on boats accused of illegal activities.
The government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defence measures to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist act."
American officials and the Pentagon did not immediately addressed inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
