Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts emerged of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This situation has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and calls for global intervention.
Caracas Condemns US of Military Action
The incumbent government has condemned the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the Latin American nation. In an official announcement, the government asserted that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," the government asserted.
Caracas urged the world to denounce the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that endangered countless of lives in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Locals reported hearing at least several explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the sky," said one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He requested an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would initiate defense protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Context
The reported strikes come after a extended military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant naval presence off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on boats accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of external threat" and commanded all defense measures to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this foreign act."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
