Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of multiple detonations and the sound of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The situation has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan government and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Military Action
The socialist administration has blamed the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Trump reportedly directed military strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal declaration, the government confirmed that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its oil and minerals," the statement asserted.
Venezuelan officials called on the global community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that put countless of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted
Residents spoke of feeling at least several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in several districts reportedly rushed into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard blasts and planes in the area," commented one resident.
Smoke was reported rising from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Regional Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, said it would activate defense plans at its border with its neighbor.
Context
These alleged strikes are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial US military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of emergency" and directed all defense plans to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this foreign act."
The White House and the Pentagon did not promptly commented on requests for a statement regarding the events.