Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of several blasts and the sound of low-flying jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. This event has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Aggression
The incumbent regime has accused the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the South American country. In an formal announcement, the authorities asserted that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to take control of our nation's key assets, especially its petroleum and resources," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the world to censure the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that put countless of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Residents spoke of feeling approximately seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. People in different districts reportedly hurried into the open.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the distance," commented one witness.
Plumes of smoke was observed billowing from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is thought to live.
Global Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate security measures at its border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported strikes follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro government. Since August, there has been a significant American military buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all defense measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this imperialist attack."
The White House and the Pentagon have not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
