Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports surfaced of numerous explosions and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This event has sparked allegations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for global scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses United States of Attack
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has blamed the US of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed attacks against the Latin American state. In an formal announcement, the government stated that strikes had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its crude oil and minerals," the government declared.
The government called on the global community to denounce the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that put numerous of civilians in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Residents spoke of feeling approximately seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in various districts reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," commented one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is reported to reside.
International Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate operational plans at its border with Venezuela.
Context
The reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial American military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.
The government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all defense measures to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "repudiate this imperialist attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the events.
