Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Reports emerged of several blasts and the noise of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The situation has led to claims from the Venezuelan government and calls for diplomatic action.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has accused the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal statement, the government confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's key assets, in particular its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela declared.
Caracas appealed to the world to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed numerous of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Hit
Residents described experiencing roughly several detonations around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in various areas allegedly ran into the open.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We heard blasts and aircraft in the area," stated one resident.
Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Regional Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
These alleged attacks are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of emergency" and commanded all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this external act."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not immediately commented on requests for comment regarding the events.
