Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple explosions and the sound of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. The event has prompted allegations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for international intervention.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Military Action
The socialist government has accused the US of what it calls "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the Latin American nation. In an official statement, the government confirmed that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's key assets, especially its oil and resources," the government said.
The government urged the global community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Locals reported experiencing approximately seven detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in different areas reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the distance," commented one witness.
Smoke was reported rising from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Maduro is thought to reside.
Global Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He requested an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate operational measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The alleged attacks come after a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to protest and "repudiate this imperialist attack."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not immediately commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
