Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of numerous detonations and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This incident has prompted claims from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for international intervention.
Venezuela Accuses US of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent government has accused the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the South American state. In an public statement, the government stated that attacks had hit Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
Caracas appealed to the world to censure the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered numerous of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses described experiencing at least multiple explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in different neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," stated one resident.
Smoke was seen rising from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He requested an swift emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate operational measures at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These alleged strikes come after a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, there has been a major US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
The administration has announced "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "reject this imperialist attack."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not immediately commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
