Caracas: At least seven explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft were reported around 2 am local time in Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, according to media reports. Venezuela has declared national emergency after the explosions, reported the Hindustan Times.
The attacks took place in Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, the Venezuelan government said in a statement, reported Reuters.
This prompted residents in several neighbourhoods to rush into the streets, reported India Today. However, Venezuela’s government offered no immediate comment.
This comes at a time when there i
s heightened pressure from the United States, which has recently targeted alleged drug-smuggling boats, the report states.
But Venezuela has reportedly signalled openness to talks on counter-narcotics cooperation.
Venezuela’s government, in the statement, called on its supporters to take to the streets, according to Hindustan Times.
“People to the streets!” the statement said. “The Bolivarian Government calls on all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack.” According to the report, the statement mentioned that President Nicolás Maduro had “ordered all national defense plans to be implemented.”
Is US behind the attacks?
According to several reports, US military was behind the series of strikes on Caracas. Venezuela’s government accused the US of carrying out the attacks, reported Hindustan Times.
However, the Pentagon and White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.