Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Reports surfaced of several detonations and the roar of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. This incident has led to claims from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global action.
Caracas Blames US of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist government has condemned the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly directed strikes against the South American state. In an formal announcement, the government asserted that strikes had targeted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its oil and minerals," Venezuela said.
The government called on the international community to denounce the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international norms" that put millions of civilians in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses described hearing at least several powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in several districts allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the area," stated one witness.
Smoke was observed billowing from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is believed to live.
International Response
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on social media that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would activate operational plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Context
The reported attacks are preceded by a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, authorities reported a major naval presence off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of emergency" and ordered all defense measures to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this external attack."
The White House and the Defense Department did not promptly addressed requests for clarification regarding the reports.