Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of multiple blasts and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. This situation has led to accusations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian government has accused the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the South American nation. In an public statement, the authorities stated that strikes had hit the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement declared.
Caracas called on the world to condemn the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that placed numerous of civilians in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing approximately several explosions around the middle of the night local time. Residents in several areas allegedly hurried into the open.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," commented one witness.
Black smoke was reported billowing from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He requested an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would activate security protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported strikes are preceded by a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, authorities reported a significant US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this imperialist act."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not immediately responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
