Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports circulated of multiple blasts and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The situation has prompted claims from Venezuela's authorities and requests for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns US of Aggression
The authoritarian regime has blamed the US of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an formal declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its oil and resources," the government asserted.
The government called on the global community to censure the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that placed numerous of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Residents described experiencing roughly several explosions around the middle of the night local time. Residents in various areas allegedly ran into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the distance," commented one witness.
Smoke was seen pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate security protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
These reported strikes come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats accused of illegal activities.
The government has declared "a state of external threat" and commanded all defense measures to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this external aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon did not publicly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
