Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of numerous detonations and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. This incident has led to accusations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Military Action
The socialist regime has blamed the US of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal declaration, the authorities confirmed that strikes had impacted the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," the statement declared.
The government urged the world to condemn the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered countless of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Residents spoke of hearing approximately several detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in different neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the open.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the area," commented one witness.
Smoke was reported billowing from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
International Response
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would activate operational protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.
Context
These alleged attacks come after a prolonged campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant US military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats suspected of illegal activities.
The administration has declared "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defence protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "reject this external aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not immediately commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
