Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Reports circulated of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This situation has led to accusations from Venezuela's government and demands for international intervention.
Caracas Accuses United States of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent regime has condemned the US of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized strikes against the Latin American state. In an official declaration, the government stated that strikes had hit Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this attack is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, especially its oil and resources," the government said.
Caracas urged the global community to condemn the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that put numerous of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted
Residents spoke of experiencing roughly seven detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in various districts allegedly ran into the open.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We heard explosions and aircraft in the sky," commented one local.
Smoke was reported billowing from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is thought to live.
Global Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on social media that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He requested an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would activate operational plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.
The government has declared "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to protest and "denounce this foreign aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon have not promptly commented on requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
