Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports circulated of several blasts and the noise of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This situation has prompted claims from Venezuela's leadership and demands for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames US of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist regime has accused the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the Latin American country. In an formal statement, the government confirmed that strikes had targeted the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its crude oil and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to condemn the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Hit
Residents spoke of feeling roughly several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in several neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," said one resident.
Smoke was reported rising from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, wrote on social media that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
These reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major naval buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "a state of emergency" and ordered all defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this external attack."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not immediately responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the events.
