Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports emerged of numerous explosions and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. The situation has led to accusations from Venezuela's government and requests for international action.
Venezuela Accuses US of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent regime has accused the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly ordered strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," the statement declared.
Caracas called on the international community to denounce the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed millions of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Residents described hearing at least several explosions around 2 a.m. local time. People in various districts allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the area," stated one resident.
Black smoke was observed rising from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Maduro is thought to reside.
Global Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate operational protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks follow a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Since August, there has been a substantial US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats linked to illegal activities.
The government has announced "a state of external disturbance" and directed all defense measures to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this foreign aggression."
The White House and the Defense Department have not immediately addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.
