Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports surfaced of several blasts and the roar of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. The incident has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist government has accused the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly directed attacks against the South American country. In an official statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had impacted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of these strikes is to take control of our nation's key assets, notably its crude oil and resources," the government declared.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that put countless of lives in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Residents described experiencing at least several powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. People in several areas allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We heard blasts and planes in the distance," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Global Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would activate operational protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged strikes are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, there has been a substantial American military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
The administration has declared "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this imperialist attack."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not promptly commented on requests for clarification regarding the events.
