Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Accounts emerged of several blasts and the roar of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. The incident has sparked allegations from Venezuela's government and calls for global action.
Caracas Blames US of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent government has accused the United States of committing "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the South American country. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and minerals," the government declared.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to condemn the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered countless of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses reported experiencing approximately seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in several districts allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the area," commented one witness.
Black smoke was observed pouring from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would activate operational protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The reported strikes come after a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial US military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
The administration has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "denounce this external act."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not promptly commented on requests for a statement regarding the events.
