Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts circulated of several explosions and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The event has prompted allegations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for global action.
Venezuela Accuses US of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has accused the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the South American country. In an formal announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and resources," Venezuela declared.
The government appealed to the world to condemn the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that put countless of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Residents reported experiencing roughly several explosions around the middle of the night local time. Residents in various areas reportedly hurried into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and jets in the distance," said one resident.
Black smoke was reported rising from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is reported to live.
International Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate operational plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
These reported strikes come after a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external threat" and directed all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "repudiate this external act."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not promptly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
