Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts circulated of numerous detonations and the sound of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. This situation has led to accusations from the Venezuelan government and requests for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Condemns US of Aggression
The socialist regime has accused the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed attacks against the South American state. In an formal statement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's key assets, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.
The government appealed to the world to condemn the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that put numerous of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit
Residents spoke of hearing approximately seven detonations around the middle of the night local time. People in several districts allegedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," commented one witness.
Smoke was seen rising from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on X that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would activate operational measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
These reported attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also urged its supporters to mobilize and "denounce this foreign aggression."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not immediately addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
