Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts circulated of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The situation has prompted allegations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global action.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent administration has blamed the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an public declaration, the government confirmed that attacks had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," the government asserted.
Caracas called on the global community to condemn the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that put millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported hearing at least multiple explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in several areas reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," stated one local.
Smoke was seen billowing from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Global Response
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate operational protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks are preceded by a extended military buildup by the US against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, there has been a significant American military buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has announced "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "reject this external aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon have not promptly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
