Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Reports circulated of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This situation has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for international scrutiny.
Caracas Blames United States of Attack
The incumbent regime has condemned the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Trump allegedly directed strikes against the Latin American state. In an official announcement, the government confirmed that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's key assets, especially its oil and minerals," the government said.
The government urged the global community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed countless of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Residents reported hearing approximately several explosions around the middle of the night local time. People in several districts reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the area," commented one witness.
Smoke was observed rising from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate operational protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
The alleged attacks follow a months-long military buildup by the US against the Maduro administration. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant naval buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats linked to illegal activities.
The government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all defense plans to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "repudiate this external aggression."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not publicly commented on requests for comment regarding the reports.
