Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts emerged of numerous blasts and the noise of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. The situation has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist government has condemned the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly directed military strikes against the South American country. In an public statement, the government confirmed that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its petroleum and resources," the statement asserted.
The government called on the international community to denounce the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered numerous of lives in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Residents spoke of feeling at least multiple explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in several neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the distance," commented one witness.
Black smoke was observed rising from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate security plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Context
These alleged strikes are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major US military presence off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has stated "a state of emergency" and ordered all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "reject this foreign attack."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not immediately responded to requests for clarification regarding the events.
