Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Accounts circulated of numerous detonations and the roar of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. The situation has led to accusations from Venezuela's government and demands for global action.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Attack
The authoritarian government has accused the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the Latin American state. In an formal declaration, the government asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit
Locals described experiencing roughly multiple detonations around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in several areas reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is thought to live.
Global Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate operational measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
The reported strikes are preceded by a extended campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, there has been a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.
The administration has stated "a state of emergency" and commanded all national defense measures to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "denounce this foreign attack."
The White House and the Pentagon did not immediately commented on requests for clarification regarding the reports.