Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts circulated of several explosions and the roar of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This incident has sparked allegations from Venezuela's government and requests for diplomatic action.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Aggression
The authoritarian regime has blamed the US of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal announcement, the government stated that strikes had impacted the capital and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this aggression is to take control of our nation's key assets, especially its oil and minerals," the government said.
Caracas urged the world to denounce the actions, which it described a "flagrant violation of global law" that put numerous of lives in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Locals reported feeling approximately multiple explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. People in various areas allegedly rushed into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," said one local.
Black smoke was reported billowing from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is reported to reside.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Currently they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would activate defense plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
These reported attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, there has been a significant US military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
The government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all defense measures to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "repudiate this foreign act."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not publicly addressed requests for clarification regarding the allegations.
