Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports circulated of multiple blasts and the sound of low-flying jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This situation has prompted allegations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for global action.
Caracas Accuses United States of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent administration has blamed the Washington of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the South American nation. In an formal announcement, the government asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its crude oil and minerals," the statement asserted.
The government urged the international community to censure the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported feeling at least multiple detonations around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in various areas allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We experienced explosions and planes in the sky," commented one local.
Plumes of smoke was observed billowing from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Global Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, wrote on social media that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
The reported strikes follow a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major American military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
The government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not publicly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
