Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts surfaced of several explosions and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This situation has led to accusations from the Venezuelan government and demands for global action.
Caracas Blames US of Aggression
The socialist government has condemned the United States of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump supposedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal statement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and three 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, notably its oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
Caracas urged the international community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that placed numerous of civilians in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted
Residents described feeling at least multiple explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in various districts reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the distance," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported strikes are preceded by a extended campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial US military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all defense plans to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this foreign act."
American officials and the Defense Department have not promptly commented on requests for comment regarding the events.
