Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Reports emerged of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This incident has led to claims from Venezuela's authorities and requests for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Aggression
The authoritarian government has accused the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized strikes against the Latin American country. In an public declaration, the government stated that strikes had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, especially its crude oil and minerals," the government declared.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered countless of lives in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Locals described feeling approximately several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in different neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," said one resident.
Smoke was reported rising from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate operational protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported strikes are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial naval presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
The administration has stated "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist attack."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not immediately addressed requests for clarification regarding the allegations.
