Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous explosions and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This event has prompted claims from Venezuela's leadership and calls for global action.
Caracas Blames Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist regime has condemned the United States of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly directed strikes against the South American nation. In an official announcement, the government asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this attack is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, especially its oil and mineral wealth," the statement said.
The government called on the world to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that placed numerous of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Hit
Residents spoke of experiencing approximately several detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in various areas reportedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and planes in the distance," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would initiate security measures at its border with its neighbor.
Background
The reported attacks are preceded by a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "repudiate this external act."
The White House and the Pentagon have not promptly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
