Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Reports surfaced of several explosions and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. The incident has led to allegations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Attack
The socialist administration has blamed the United States of an act of "foreign aggression," stating that former President Trump supposedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to censure the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed numerous of civilians in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Residents described hearing at least multiple detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in several districts allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and jets in the area," stated one local.
Smoke was observed pouring from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate security measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
These reported attacks come after a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, there has been a significant naval presence off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this external aggression."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not immediately commented on inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
