Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts circulated of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. This situation has prompted accusations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for international scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses US of Military Action
The authoritarian government has condemned the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump allegedly directed attacks against the South American nation. In an formal statement, the authorities asserted that attacks had targeted the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its oil and resources," the government asserted.
Caracas appealed to the global community to condemn the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered countless of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported experiencing approximately several powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. People in different districts reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," said one local.
Black smoke was reported billowing from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is reported to live.
Global Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate operational plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
The reported attacks follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, there has been a significant US military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.
The administration has announced "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist act."
American officials and the Pentagon did not immediately responded to inquiries for comment regarding the events.
