Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies surfaced of several explosions and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. The situation has led to claims from the Venezuelan government and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Aggression
The socialist administration has blamed the US of committing "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the Latin American state. In an official statement, the authorities stated that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its oil and resources," Venezuela said.
Caracas urged the global community to censure the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed numerous of lives in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted
Locals reported hearing at least several explosions around the middle of the night local time. People in different districts reportedly ran into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the sky," commented one witness.
Black smoke was seen pouring from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate security plans at its border with its neighbor.
Background
These reported attacks are preceded by a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has declared "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defence plans to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "reject this imperialist aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not publicly responded to requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
