Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts circulated of numerous blasts and the noise of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. This incident has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan government and demands for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Blames US of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has condemned the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly directed attacks against the Latin American country. In an public statement, the authorities stated that strikes had hit the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and resources," the government asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the world to censure the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that put numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Locals reported experiencing roughly seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in different neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the distance," commented one local.
Smoke was observed pouring from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is believed to live.
Regional Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate defense measures at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged strikes come after a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, authorities reported a substantial American military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all defense plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this external act."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not promptly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
