Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports emerged of multiple explosions and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The event has sparked claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for global intervention.
Caracas Condemns United States of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian government has blamed the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the South American nation. In an public statement, the authorities stated that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela declared.
Caracas called on the global community to condemn the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that put numerous of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Locals described experiencing at least multiple explosions around 2 a.m. local time. People in several neighborhoods reportedly ran into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and planes in the distance," stated one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.
Global Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate security protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These alleged strikes follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, there has been a major US military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on boats suspected of illegal activities.
The administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this external attack."
American officials and the Defense Department have not immediately commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
