Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple detonations and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The event has led to accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Attack
The socialist administration has blamed the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," the statement declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the international community to denounce the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that put countless of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Locals spoke of feeling at least seven detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in various neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and planes in the distance," said one local.
Smoke was observed pouring from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
International Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate operational protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks come after a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Maduro administration. Since August, authorities reported a major US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.
The government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and directed all defense plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to protest and "reject this external aggression."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not immediately responded to requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
