Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of numerous blasts and the noise of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. This event has sparked accusations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Condemns United States of Military Action
The authoritarian government has accused the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official announcement, the government asserted that strikes had hit the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its oil and minerals," the statement declared.
The government urged the international community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered countless of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of feeling approximately seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in different neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the sky," said one local.
Black smoke was seen rising from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate operational plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
These reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial naval buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on vessels linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense plans to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "denounce this foreign aggression."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not promptly responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
