Venezuela under fire: US launches airstrikes, targets naval base and defense minister's residence in Caracas, 7 explosions rock the city
Washington (The Uttam Hindu): The ongoing tension between the US and Venezuela has now escalated into a fierce conflict. The US carried out a major military operation in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, early Saturday morning. Following instructions from the Pentagon, the US military launched an airstrike on a naval base in Caracas. According to reports, seven loud explosions were heard in the city, shaking the entire capital.
The Defense Minister's house was also targeted
Sky News Arabia claims that the attacks targeted not only military installations but also the residence of Venezuela's defense minister. Huge plumes of smoke were seen rising into the sky over Caracas after the attacks, which occurred around 2 a.m. Saturday.
Windows shook, power went out
CNN's team reported from the scene that the first explosion occurred around 1:50 a.m. local time. CNN correspondent Osmari Hernandez said, "The blast was so powerful it shook my window." Immediately after the attacks, power was blacked out in several areas of Caracas, and several fighter jets were seen flying overhead. Terrified by the sound of the explosions, residents rushed out of their homes into the streets at night.
Trump warned: action will be taken against drug cartels
The background for this attack had been building for a long time. US President Donald Trump had repeatedly warned that the US would take strict action against the alleged drug trafficking network operating in Venezuela. The Trump administration alleges that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro runs a drug cartel. In October, Trump authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela to prevent drug trafficking and illegal immigration. Nicolas Maduro has completely rejected the US allegations. He says that the US has its eyes on Venezuela's vast oil reserves and mineral resources, and hence they want to topple his government.
Action in the Caribbean Sea too
The US has previously attacked several boats suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific Ocean. According to US military data, 107 people have been killed in 30 attacks so far. Trump has already hinted that ground attacks could also be launched to pressure Maduro.
At this time, there has been no official statement from the Venezuelan government. CNN has also contacted the White House, but has not yet received a response.