Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of multiple detonations and the roar of low-flying jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. The incident has prompted accusations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames US of Attack
The socialist administration has condemned the US of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the Latin American state. In an official announcement, the government asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its petroleum and resources," Venezuela declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the international community to denounce the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that put numerous of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses described feeling roughly several explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in several districts allegedly hurried into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the area," commented one local.
Smoke was observed pouring from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate operational protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
These reported strikes follow a extended military buildup by the US against the Maduro government. Since last summer, authorities reported a major naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to mobilize and "denounce this external aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon did not promptly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
