Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports emerged of numerous blasts and the roar of low-flying jets in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This situation has sparked allegations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for international intervention.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action
The incumbent regime has accused the Washington of an act of "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the Latin American country. In an official announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its oil and resources," Venezuela declared.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the world to condemn the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that placed numerous of lives in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Locals reported hearing roughly several explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different districts reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and aircraft in the sky," stated one resident.
Smoke was observed pouring from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "Currently they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged strikes follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, there has been a significant US military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of external threat" and directed all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist act."
The White House and the Pentagon have not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
