Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of numerous explosions and the roar of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident has led to allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns US of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent regime has accused the US of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly ordered strikes against the South American state. In an official statement, the authorities stated that attacks had hit the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this attack is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and resources," the government asserted.
The government urged the world to condemn the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Hit
Locals described hearing approximately several powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," stated one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
International Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He requested an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate defense protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged attacks come after a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats suspected of narco-trafficking.
The government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "denounce this external aggression."
The White House and the Defense Department did not promptly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
