Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports circulated of numerous explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This situation has prompted claims from the Venezuelan government and requests for diplomatic action.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Attack
Venezuela's socialist government has condemned the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump reportedly directed military strikes against the South American state. In an formal declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its petroleum and resources," the statement declared.
The government appealed to the international community to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that put countless of lives in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Locals spoke of feeling roughly multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in various areas allegedly hurried into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the area," commented one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen rising from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Global Response
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an swift meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would activate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported attacks come after a months-long pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, there has been a significant American military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this foreign act."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
