Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous detonations and the roar of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. The event has prompted accusations from Venezuela's government and demands for international scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns United States of Attack
The incumbent regime has blamed the US of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the Latin American country. In an official declaration, the government confirmed that attacks had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its petroleum and resources," the statement said.
Caracas urged the global community to censure the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that put countless of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Residents spoke of hearing at least seven explosions around the middle of the night local time. Residents in different neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the area," commented one witness.
Black smoke was seen rising from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is thought to reside.
Regional Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate defense protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged strikes are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial American military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of emergency" and commanded all defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this imperialist attack."
The White House and the Pentagon did not immediately responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
