Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts emerged of numerous blasts and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This event has led to accusations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global intervention.
Venezuela Condemns US of Attack
Venezuela's socialist government has blamed the US of an act of "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly ordered strikes against the South American state. In an public declaration, the government confirmed that strikes had impacted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its oil and minerals," the government declared.
Venezuelan officials called on the world to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international norms" that put countless of lives in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit
Residents spoke of feeling at least seven detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in various areas reportedly hurried into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the sky," stated one resident.
Smoke was observed pouring from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, wrote on social media that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would activate operational plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, there has been a major naval deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.
The administration has stated "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "reject this foreign aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
