Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of several blasts and the sound of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. This incident has led to allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for global intervention.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Attack
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has accused the US of an act of "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the South American state. In an official statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had hit the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.
The government appealed to the global community to censure the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered countless of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported hearing approximately seven detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in different areas allegedly rushed into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," said one local.
Smoke was observed pouring from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
International Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He requested an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate security measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged strikes come after a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all defense plans to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "reject this imperialist act."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not publicly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
