Blasts and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Reports emerged of several blasts and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. This situation has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan government and calls for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames US of Attack
Venezuela's socialist regime has condemned the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an formal statement, the government asserted that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its oil and resources," the government declared.
Caracas urged the world to censure the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international norms" that put millions of lives in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit
Residents described experiencing approximately several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in several neighborhoods allegedly ran into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the distance," commented one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would activate operational measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The alleged attacks come after a extended campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, there has been a significant American military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of emergency" and directed all defense measures to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this external aggression."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
