Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts circulated of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The event has sparked claims from Venezuela's authorities and requests for global action.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Attack
The socialist government has blamed the US of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the Latin American country. In an official announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.
Caracas urged the international community to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that put numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Residents described hearing approximately several detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in various districts allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and planes in the distance," stated one local.
Black smoke was observed rising from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate operational protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.
Context
These alleged attacks come after a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, authorities reported a major American military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.
The government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and directed all defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist aggression."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not publicly commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the events.