Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of several blasts and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. This event has led to claims from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for diplomatic action.
Caracas Blames US of Military Action
The authoritarian government has accused the US of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump allegedly directed attacks against the South American country. In an public declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its petroleum and minerals," the government said.
The government appealed to the world to denounce the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered countless of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted
Locals described feeling approximately multiple explosions around 2 a.m. local time. People in various areas allegedly ran into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," said one witness.
Black smoke was seen rising from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate defense measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
The reported attacks follow a extended campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant American military deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
The government has announced "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all defense protocols to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this external attack."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not publicly addressed requests for comment regarding the allegations.
