Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports circulated of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. This event has led to allegations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for international intervention.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Military Action
The incumbent regime has blamed the United States of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly directed strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal statement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and mineral wealth," the government declared.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered numerous of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Sites Hit
Locals described experiencing approximately multiple detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. People in different neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," commented one local.
Black smoke was observed pouring from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is believed to live.
International Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would activate security plans at its border with Venezuela.
Context
The reported strikes come after a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
The administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all national defence protocols to be activated. It has also urged its supporters to mobilize and "denounce this foreign act."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not immediately responded to requests for clarification regarding the allegations.
