Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts circulated of several explosions and the sound of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This incident has sparked allegations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for global action.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent regime has blamed the US of what it calls "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the South American nation. In an official announcement, the authorities asserted that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," the government said.
Caracas called on the world to censure the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Locals reported hearing at least seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in different areas reportedly ran into the open.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and planes in the sky," said one witness.
Black smoke was reported rising from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Response
The president of bordering Colombia, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He requested an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would activate defense measures at its border with its neighbor.
Background
The alleged attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defense measures to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this foreign act."
The White House and the Defense Department have not publicly addressed requests for comment regarding the events.
