Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The event has sparked allegations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Attack
Venezuela's socialist administration has accused the United States of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," the government declared.
The government appealed to the world to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered millions of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit
Residents spoke of experiencing approximately several detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in various neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the open.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and planes in the distance," commented one local.
Black smoke was seen rising from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Maduro is reported to reside.
Regional Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate security protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Context
The reported attacks follow a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major American military buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
The government has declared "a state of emergency" and ordered all defense measures to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "reject this foreign attack."
American officials and the Pentagon have not promptly addressed requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
