Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of numerous blasts and the sound of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. This situation has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Blames United States of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent administration has blamed the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public statement, the government confirmed that strikes had targeted the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to take control of our nation's key assets, especially its petroleum and resources," the statement said.
The government appealed to the global community to condemn the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that placed numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Residents spoke of feeling at least multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in various areas allegedly ran into the open.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the sky," stated one resident.
Black smoke was reported pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on social media that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate defense plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These alleged strikes follow a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Maduro administration. Since August, authorities reported a substantial naval buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
The government has declared "a state of emergency" and directed all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this foreign aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department did not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
