Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts circulated of numerous blasts and the noise of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. This event has sparked claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for global intervention.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has blamed the US of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American state. In an public announcement, the government asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," the government declared.
The government urged the international community to censure the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that put millions of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses reported hearing at least seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in different areas reportedly rushed into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the area," said one resident.
Smoke was seen billowing from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is thought to reside.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He requested an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate security measures at its border with its neighbor.
Background
These reported strikes come after a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial American military deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "repudiate this foreign act."
American officials and the Pentagon have not publicly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the reports.