Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of numerous detonations and the roar of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This event has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan government and calls for global intervention.
Caracas Condemns US of Military Action
The incumbent administration has blamed the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the Latin American state. In an official declaration, the government stated that attacks had hit the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to take control of our nation's key assets, especially its oil and minerals," the government asserted.
Caracas appealed to the global community to censure the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international norms" that put numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Residents described feeling approximately several explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in various districts reportedly hurried into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," stated one witness.
Smoke was observed rising from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate operational plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged attacks come after a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Maduro administration. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all defense protocols to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this external attack."
American officials and the Pentagon have not promptly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
