Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports surfaced of multiple detonations and the sound of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. This event has led to accusations from the Venezuelan government and demands for international intervention.
Caracas Accuses US of Aggression
The socialist administration has accused the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump supposedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American country. In an official declaration, the government confirmed that attacks had hit the capital and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its oil and minerals," the statement said.
Caracas urged the international community to censure the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered millions of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Residents spoke of feeling approximately several detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in different areas reportedly ran into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard blasts and planes in the area," commented one witness.
Smoke was seen rising from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He requested an immediate emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would activate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
The alleged strikes are preceded by a extended campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro administration. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant American military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department have not immediately addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
