Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts circulated of multiple explosions and the noise of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This incident has led to claims from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for global intervention.
Caracas Condemns United States of Attack
Venezuela's socialist regime has accused the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump supposedly ordered strikes against the South American nation. In an formal statement, the government asserted that attacks had targeted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its oil and resources," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that put numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses described hearing at least several explosions around the middle of the night local time. People in different districts reportedly ran into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," stated one witness.
Black smoke was observed rising from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate security measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
The reported strikes follow a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial naval buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of emergency" and commanded all defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to protest and "reject this foreign aggression."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not promptly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
