Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports surfaced of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. This situation has led to claims from Venezuela's government and calls for international intervention.
Caracas Blames Washington of Aggression
The incumbent government has accused the Washington of an act of "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Trump supposedly directed strikes against the Latin American country. In an public declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had targeted the capital and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to take control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.
Caracas urged the world to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that placed millions of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Locals described feeling at least seven detonations around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in several areas allegedly hurried into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," stated one resident.
Smoke was seen billowing from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence.
International Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would activate operational measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
The alleged strikes follow a months-long military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, there has been a significant US military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
The government has announced "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to protest and "reject this external act."
American officials and the Pentagon did not promptly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
