Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of several detonations and the noise of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. The event has prompted claims from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for global action.
Venezuela Accuses US of Military Action
The incumbent government has accused the US of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American country. In an official declaration, the government asserted that strikes had impacted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this attack is to take control of our nation's key assets, notably its crude oil and resources," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials called on the global community to condemn the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that put numerous of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses described experiencing at least seven detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different areas reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard blasts and planes in the distance," said one witness.
Black smoke was reported pouring from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Context
These reported attacks are preceded by a extended military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, authorities reported a major American military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "reject this external attack."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not immediately responded to requests for a statement regarding the events.
