Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of several explosions and the roar of low-flying jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The situation has prompted claims from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for international action.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Military Action
The authoritarian regime has condemned the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an official statement, the government stated that strikes had targeted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to take control of our nation's natural resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
The government called on the global community to censure the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that placed countless of lives in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Locals reported hearing roughly seven detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in several districts reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and planes in the distance," stated one resident.
Smoke was seen billowing from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Currently they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate defense protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
The alleged strikes are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Maduro government. Since last summer, authorities reported a major naval presence off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.
The government has stated "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this external act."
The White House and the Pentagon have not immediately commented on inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
