Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts circulated of numerous blasts and the noise of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This incident has led to accusations from the Venezuelan government and calls for international intervention.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist administration has accused the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and minerals," the statement said.
The government appealed to the world to denounce the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that endangered millions of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported experiencing roughly seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in various neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and planes in the distance," commented one local.
Smoke was seen pouring from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He requested an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would activate operational measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These alleged attacks are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, there has been a significant US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all defense protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist act."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not immediately commented on requests for clarification regarding the allegations.
