Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of several explosions and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The situation has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression
The authoritarian administration has accused the US of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the South American nation. In an public declaration, the government asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its oil and minerals," the government asserted.
Caracas called on the international community to denounce the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that placed countless of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Residents spoke of feeling at least several detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in several districts allegedly hurried into the open.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," said one witness.
Black smoke was seen rising from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is thought to reside.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate security protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Background
The reported strikes are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant naval presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
The government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defense measures to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to protest and "repudiate this imperialist attack."
American officials and the Pentagon have not publicly addressed requests for a statement regarding the events.
