Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of multiple detonations and the sound of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The event has prompted allegations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for international intervention.
Venezuela Blames US of Attack
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has blamed the US of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities stated that strikes had impacted the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, especially its oil and minerals," Venezuela said.
Caracas urged the world to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Residents spoke of feeling at least several detonations around 2:00 AM local time. People in several neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," stated one resident.
Smoke was observed billowing from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He called for an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate security plans at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These alleged attacks follow a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major naval presence off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.
The government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this foreign attack."
The White House and the Pentagon have not promptly addressed requests for comment regarding the reports.
