Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts circulated of several blasts and the roar of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This situation has led to allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses United States of Aggression
The authoritarian regime has blamed the US of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump supposedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this attack is to gain control of our nation's key assets, especially its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
Caracas urged the international community to denounce the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of global law" that put millions of lives in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Locals spoke of feeling at least seven detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in different districts allegedly rushed into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is reported to live.
International Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate operational measures at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These alleged strikes follow a extended military buildup by the US against the Maduro administration. Since last summer, there has been a major naval deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.
The government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "reject this foreign act."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not immediately commented on requests for clarification regarding the allegations.
