Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of multiple blasts and the roar of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. This event has led to allegations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses US of Attack
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has condemned the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump supposedly directed attacks against the South American nation. In an formal announcement, the government asserted that strikes had impacted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.
Caracas called on the world to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed countless of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Residents described experiencing approximately seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in several districts reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the distance," stated one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is thought to reside.
Global Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would activate defense plans at its border with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged strikes are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, there has been a major American military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to mobilize and "denounce this external aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not promptly addressed requests for a statement regarding the reports.
