Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts emerged of multiple detonations and the roar of low-flying jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. This event has sparked allegations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for international intervention.
Caracas Condemns US of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist regime has condemned the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the South American state. In an formal announcement, the government stated that attacks had targeted the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's key assets, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," the government said.
Venezuelan officials urged the international community to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered countless of lives in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Locals described hearing approximately several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in several districts reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the area," said one resident.
Smoke was reported billowing from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Maduro is believed to live.
Regional Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He requested an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would activate security measures at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, there has been a significant American military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.
The government has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to mobilize and "reject this foreign aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon did not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
