Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of multiple detonations and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The event has prompted accusations from Venezuela's government and demands for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Attack
Venezuela's socialist administration has blamed the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly directed strikes against the South American country. In an public announcement, the government stated that strikes had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and resources," Venezuela asserted.
Caracas urged the world to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered countless of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Locals spoke of feeling at least seven explosions around 2:00 AM local time. People in various areas reportedly hurried into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and jets in the area," commented one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would initiate security protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
The reported strikes come after a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Since August, authorities reported a substantial American military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "repudiate this external act."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not promptly responded to requests for a statement regarding the events.
