Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports surfaced of numerous blasts and the roar of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The situation has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan government and demands for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Blames United States of Military Action
The authoritarian government has blamed the United States of what it calls "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public statement, the government confirmed that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its crude oil and minerals," the government declared.
Caracas appealed to the global community to denounce the actions, which it described a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered countless of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Residents spoke of feeling roughly several explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in several districts reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the sky," stated one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He requested an swift meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate operational measures at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
The alleged attacks come after a prolonged campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
The administration has stated "a state of external threat" and directed all national defence measures to be activated. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not publicly addressed requests for clarification regarding the reports.