Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Reports surfaced of several blasts and the roar of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. This event has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for international action.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action
The incumbent regime has blamed the US of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the South American state. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that strikes had hit the capital and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.
Venezuelan officials called on the global community to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that placed countless of civilians in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses described experiencing approximately several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in various neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," commented one local.
Smoke was reported pouring from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would activate defense measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks come after a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Maduro administration. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant American military deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "a state of external threat" and directed all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this external aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
