Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of multiple blasts and the roar of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident has led to claims from Venezuela's authorities and demands for diplomatic action.
Caracas Condemns United States of Aggression
The authoritarian regime has blamed the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official declaration, the government confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
Caracas called on the global community to censure the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that placed numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Hit
Residents described experiencing approximately seven explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in different districts allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the area," said one witness.
Smoke was observed pouring from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is thought to reside.
Global Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would initiate operational protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Context
These alleged strikes follow a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
The government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defence protocols to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "denounce this external aggression."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not immediately commented on requests for a statement regarding the reports.
