Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of several detonations and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. The event has led to accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for global intervention.
Venezuela Blames United States of Attack
The authoritarian administration has accused the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized strikes against the South American nation. In an public statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had hit the capital and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the world to denounce the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed millions of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Locals spoke of experiencing approximately multiple explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in various areas allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the area," said one local.
Smoke was reported pouring from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Response
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would activate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The reported strikes follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial US military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on boats suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all defense measures to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this external act."
The White House and the Pentagon did not promptly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the events.
