Reports circulated of numerous explosions and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The incident has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for global action.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has condemned the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Trump supposedly directed military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," the government declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the world to condemn the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered countless of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Locals reported hearing at least multiple detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in various areas reportedly hurried into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the area," said one witness.
Smoke was seen billowing from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is reported to live.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, wrote on social media that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate defense plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
The reported attacks are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
The government has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "reject this external act."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not promptly commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
