Blasts and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of numerous explosions and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This incident has sparked accusations from Venezuela's authorities and requests for international intervention.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent government has condemned the United States of what it calls "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American state. In an public statement, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.
Caracas called on the global community to censure the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Hit
Residents reported experiencing roughly several detonations around 2 a.m. local time. People in various neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the sky," commented one witness.
Smoke was seen billowing from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Regional Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate operational measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged strikes come after a extended campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, there has been a significant naval presence off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "repudiate this external act."
American officials and the Defense Department have not immediately addressed requests for clarification regarding the allegations.
