Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts surfaced of numerous detonations and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The situation has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for international intervention.
Caracas Blames US of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has condemned the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Trump supposedly ordered military strikes against the South American nation. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported experiencing at least seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in different areas allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," stated one resident.
Black smoke was observed pouring from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Global Response
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an swift emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would activate security plans at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The alleged strikes are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, there has been a significant US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.
The government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to protest and "repudiate this imperialist act."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not promptly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the events.
