Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Reports emerged of numerous blasts and the roar of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This situation has sparked allegations from Venezuela's government and requests for international scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent regime has condemned the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the Latin American nation. In an official announcement, the government asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to seize control of our nation's key assets, notably its petroleum and resources," the government said.
The government appealed to the international community to denounce the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of international law" that put numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit
Locals reported hearing approximately multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in different districts reportedly rushed into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard explosions and planes in the area," stated one resident.
Black smoke was reported billowing from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate defense plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
The alleged strikes follow a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, there has been a significant naval buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on boats accused of illegal activities.
The government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defense measures to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "reject this external aggression."
The White House and the Defense Department did not publicly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.
