Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Accounts emerged of numerous blasts and the roar of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. The situation has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan government and requests for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist administration has blamed the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump supposedly directed military strikes against the South American nation. In an official declaration, the government stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its petroleum and resources," the government asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the world to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that placed countless of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Residents reported hearing approximately several explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. People in different areas allegedly rushed into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We heard blasts and planes in the distance," stated one resident.
Black smoke was reported rising from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on social media that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate operational protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These alleged attacks follow a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major US military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.
The administration has stated "a state of external disturbance" and directed all defense plans to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this foreign aggression."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not immediately addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
