Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Reports circulated of numerous blasts and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. This situation has led to claims from Venezuela's leadership and requests for international action.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Attack
The incumbent regime has condemned the United States of what it calls "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the South American country. In an public announcement, the government asserted that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its oil and resources," the government asserted.
The government called on the global community to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Hit
Residents described experiencing at least several powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in various areas allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," said one local.
Black smoke was observed pouring from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
International Response
The president of bordering Colombia, stated on social media that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate security protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
These reported attacks are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant naval buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
The administration has declared "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defense measures to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this foreign aggression."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not publicly commented on requests for comment regarding the allegations.