Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports circulated of several explosions and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The situation has led to allegations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action
The authoritarian regime has condemned the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal announcement, the government asserted that strikes had targeted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.
The government urged the global community to condemn the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that put millions of lives in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Hit
Locals reported feeling roughly several explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in several areas reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the distance," stated one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Maduro is reported to live.
International Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "Currently they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate security measures at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
The alleged strikes are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant naval buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this external act."
American officials and the Defense Department did not immediately responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the events.
