Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of numerous detonations and the sound of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. The incident has sparked accusations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global action.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action
The socialist administration has condemned the United States of what it calls "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the South American state. In an official declaration, the government stated that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials called on the world to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that put millions of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported feeling roughly seven explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in different areas allegedly hurried into the open.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We heard explosions and aircraft in the sky," commented one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate defense plans at its border with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged strikes follow a months-long pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial American military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not publicly responded to requests for clarification regarding the allegations.