Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts emerged of several blasts and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This event has sparked claims from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression
The socialist administration has blamed the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the South American country. In an official announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its oil and resources," the statement declared.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that put countless of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing at least several powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in various areas reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and planes in the sky," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is reported to live.
International Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would activate security protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
These alleged strikes are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, there has been a significant US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on vessels linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external threat" and ordered all defense measures to be activated. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this foreign act."
American officials and the Pentagon have not publicly responded to requests for clarification regarding the events.
