Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of multiple explosions and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This situation has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent government has accused the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly directed military strikes against the South American country. In an official declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," the government said.
The government called on the global community to censure the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that put millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses reported feeling approximately seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. People in various areas allegedly hurried into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," stated one witness.
Black smoke was observed pouring from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on social media that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate security protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These alleged attacks are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, there has been a significant naval presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of emergency" and commanded all defense protocols to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "reject this imperialist attack."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not promptly commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the events.
