Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of numerous detonations and the roar of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The incident has led to allegations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Condemns United States of Attack
The authoritarian regime has accused the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the South American country. In an official statement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and resources," Venezuela declared.
The government appealed to the global community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international norms" that endangered millions of civilians in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported hearing roughly seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in different neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the distance," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is reported to live.
International Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He called for an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would activate defense plans at its border with Venezuela.
Background
The reported attacks come after a extended campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on boats accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and directed all defense measures to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "reject this external act."
American officials and the Pentagon did not immediately responded to inquiries for comment regarding the events.
