Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Accounts emerged of multiple detonations and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The event has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan government and demands for global action.
Caracas Accuses US of Military Action
The incumbent administration has accused the United States of an act of "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the Latin American country. In an formal announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its oil and minerals," Venezuela declared.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported experiencing roughly seven explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in various districts allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the area," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is thought to reside.
International Response
The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would activate security protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Background
These reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial American military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of emergency" and commanded all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this external aggression."
The White House and the Defense Department did not immediately responded to requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
