Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts circulated of several detonations and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. This situation has sparked accusations from Venezuela's government and calls for international action.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Military Action
The socialist regime has accused the United States of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the South American nation. In an official announcement, the authorities stated that strikes had hit the capital and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement said.
The government called on the world to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Locals spoke of hearing approximately seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in different neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and planes in the distance," said one witness.
Smoke was seen pouring from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
International Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate defense measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged strikes are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Since last summer, there has been a substantial naval deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
The government has declared "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all defense measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this foreign act."
The White House and the Defense Department did not publicly commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
