Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts circulated of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. The situation has led to allegations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames United States of Military Action
The incumbent administration has condemned the US of committing "imperial aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the South American state. In an public announcement, the government asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," the statement said.
Caracas called on the international community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that put numerous of lives in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Hit
Locals described hearing approximately seven detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in different neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We heard blasts and aircraft in the sky," commented one witness.
Black smoke was observed pouring from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is believed to live.
International Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would initiate security plans at its border with its neighbor.
Context
The alleged strikes follow a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of emergency" and commanded all national defence protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this external attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly addressed requests for comment regarding the allegations.
