Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Accounts surfaced of several detonations and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This event has sparked claims from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses US of Attack
Venezuela's socialist regime has condemned the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the South American state. In an official announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this attack is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and resources," the government said.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the world to condemn the actions, which it described a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed millions of lives in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Residents reported experiencing approximately several detonations around the middle of the night local time. Residents in various areas reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We heard blasts and planes in the area," stated one local.
Black smoke was reported billowing from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is believed to live.
Regional Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He requested an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate defense protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
The alleged attacks come after a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, authorities reported a significant naval deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of emergency" and commanded all national defence protocols to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this external act."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not immediately addressed inquiries for comment regarding the events.
