Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous blasts and the roar of low-flying jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. This situation has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and calls for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent government has condemned the US of an act of "foreign aggression," stating that former President Trump reportedly directed attacks against the Latin American nation. In an formal statement, the authorities asserted that attacks had hit the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
Caracas called on the international community to denounce the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered numerous of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted
Residents reported feeling at least seven detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in several areas allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and jets in the distance," commented one resident.
Black smoke was seen pouring from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is thought to reside.
Regional Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate operational plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
These reported attacks follow a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant US military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this external attack."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not immediately addressed requests for a statement regarding the events.
