Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Reports circulated of numerous explosions and the noise of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The event has led to accusations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for global intervention.
Caracas Condemns US of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent administration has accused the US of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly directed military strikes against the South American country. In an public announcement, the government stated that attacks had impacted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, notably its crude oil and resources," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials called on the international community to denounce the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered millions of civilians in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Locals reported hearing approximately several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in several neighborhoods allegedly ran into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard explosions and aircraft in the distance," stated one resident.
Smoke was seen pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
International Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, said it would activate defense plans at its border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported strikes are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defence protocols to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "repudiate this imperialist act."
The White House and the Pentagon did not publicly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
