Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts emerged of several blasts and the noise of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. This situation has prompted accusations from Venezuela's government and requests for global intervention.
Venezuela Blames United States of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist regime has accused the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly directed strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal announcement, the government stated that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its petroleum and resources," the government asserted.
Caracas appealed to the global community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that put numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses described feeling at least seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in different areas reportedly hurried into the open.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," said one resident.
Black smoke was seen rising from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Response
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would activate operational plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
The reported attacks follow a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Since August, authorities reported a substantial US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.
The government has declared "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this foreign attack."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not publicly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
