Blasts and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of several blasts and the roar of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. This incident has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for international intervention.
Venezuela Blames US of Military Action
The socialist administration has condemned the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the Latin American nation. In an official announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had impacted the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," the statement asserted.
Caracas called on the world to denounce the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that placed countless of civilians in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Hit
Residents reported hearing approximately multiple detonations around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in various districts reportedly hurried into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," commented one local.
Smoke was seen rising from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Regional Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate security measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These alleged attacks are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, there has been a significant American military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on boats accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "reject this foreign act."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not publicly addressed requests for comment regarding the reports.
