Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of numerous explosions and the roar of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The incident has led to claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for international intervention.
Venezuela Condemns US of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent regime has accused the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement declared.
Caracas called on the global community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that placed countless of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Residents described hearing roughly several explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in various neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We heard explosions and jets in the area," commented one resident.
Black smoke was reported rising from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is thought to live.
International Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He requested an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate operational plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks are preceded by a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats accused of illegal activities.
The government has announced "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "reject this imperialist act."
American officials and the Defense Department did not publicly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.