United States B-1b “Lancer” strategic bomber photographed during a night take-off (illustrative image), PHOTO: US Navy Photo / Alamy / Profimedia Images
The sound of explosions woke residents of Caracas as if the sky had rumbled shortly before 02:00 on Saturday. Video footage of planes constantly flying overhead, along with flashes of explosions and clouds of smoke, began circulating on social media soon after, El Pais reports.
Initial reports indicate several airstrikes on the Fuerte Tiuna military base, the main airbase of Caracas, located south of the Venezuelan capital, which has been completely without power. A massive fire was visible in the distance in the first few minutes after the explosions, followed by a huge cloud of gray smoke.
Attacks were also confirmed against La Carlota Air Base and other military installations in Caracas, such as the Cazarma Montană, where the remains of Hugo Chávez are buried, as well as in Maracay and La Guaira, and at Higuerote Airport on the coast. Video footage posted by social media users also shows helicopters flying over Caracas.
First official confirmation that Trump ordered strikes in Venezuela
US officials have confirmed to CBS News on condition of anonymity that President Trump has ordered attacks on targets in Venezuela, including military installations.
A separate source told CNN that the Trump administration had not informed the US Senate Armed Services Committee in advance of any potential military action in Venezuela. The information comes as some congressmen have insisted they should be notified before military action is taken.
Venezuela's authoritarian government has accused the US of risking throwing Latin America into chaos with an “extremely serious” act of “imperialist aggression” after Donald Trump ordered airstrikes against the South American country.
The latest developments regarding the military actions in Venezuela are LIVETEXT on HOTNEWS.RO.
