Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple detonations and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This event has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and requests for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Attack
Venezuela's socialist regime has accused the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the South American country. In an official announcement, the government asserted that strikes had impacted the capital and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the world to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that placed countless of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Sites Hit
Locals described feeling at least multiple explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in several neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," commented one witness.
Black smoke was seen pouring from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an swift meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational plans at its border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged strikes follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, there has been a substantial naval buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all national defence plans to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "repudiate this foreign aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon did not immediately responded to requests for a statement regarding the reports.
