Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports surfaced of numerous detonations and the sound of low-flying jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This event has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for international intervention.
Venezuela Condemns US of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent government has condemned the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the South American nation. In an formal announcement, the government stated that strikes had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials called on the international community to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that placed millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses described feeling approximately several explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in various districts allegedly ran into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen rising from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on social media that "Currently they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate operational measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported strikes are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, there has been a major naval presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on boats linked to illegal activities.
The government has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all national defense measures to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not immediately responded to inquiries for comment regarding the events.
