Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. This situation has led to allegations from Venezuela's authorities and requests for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Condemns US of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist regime has condemned the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the South American nation. In an formal declaration, the government asserted that attacks had hit the capital and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its oil and mineral wealth," the government asserted.
Caracas urged the international community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered millions of lives in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported hearing approximately seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in various districts reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the area," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on social media that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He called for an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate security measures at its border with Venezuela.
Background
The reported attacks follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant American military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this foreign act."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not promptly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
