Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple detonations and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. The event has prompted allegations from Venezuela's government and requests for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has condemned the Washington of an act of "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump supposedly directed strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to gain control of our nation's key assets, in particular its petroleum and mineral wealth," the government declared.
The government appealed to the world to censure the actions, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered numerous of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Locals reported feeling approximately seven explosions around the middle of the night local time. People in several districts allegedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We heard blasts and planes in the sky," stated one local.
Smoke was seen pouring from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
International Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would activate defense measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
These reported strikes follow a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "denounce this external act."
The White House and the Defense Department did not publicly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
