Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts emerged of numerous blasts and the roar of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The incident has led to accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for global intervention.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Military Action
The incumbent government has condemned the US of committing "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the South American country. In an formal statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its oil and resources," the government declared.
Caracas called on the world to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed numerous of lives in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Locals reported experiencing roughly multiple explosions around 2:00 AM local time. People in various districts allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and jets in the area," said one resident.
Smoke was observed pouring from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, stated it would activate operational protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Context
The reported strikes come after a months-long pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defence protocols to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department have not promptly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
