Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts emerged of several blasts and the noise of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This event has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for global intervention.
Venezuela Blames United States of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has condemned the US of committing "imperial aggression," stating that former President Trump supposedly directed attacks against the South American nation. In an official statement, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this attack is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement declared.
The government called on the international community to denounce the strikes, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that endangered millions of civilians in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Residents spoke of hearing roughly multiple explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in various areas allegedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and planes in the area," said one local.
Black smoke was seen billowing from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro regime. Since August, authorities reported a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on boats linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has announced "a state of external threat" and directed all national defence protocols to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to mobilize and "reject this external aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon have not publicly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
