Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts circulated of numerous detonations and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. The situation has prompted accusations from Venezuela's government and requests for international intervention.
Venezuela Blames US of Attack
The socialist government has blamed the United States of an act of "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities stated that strikes had hit the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its crude oil and resources," Venezuela asserted.
Caracas called on the international community to censure the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that put numerous of lives in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit
Residents spoke of experiencing approximately seven detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in several districts allegedly ran into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We heard blasts and planes in the distance," stated one local.
Smoke was observed rising from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.
Regional Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate security protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged attacks come after a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro regime. Since August, there has been a substantial US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats suspected of illegal activities.
The government has stated "a state of emergency" and commanded all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to protest and "reject this imperialist act."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not immediately responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.
