Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts circulated of multiple blasts and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. This event has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for diplomatic action.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Aggression
The authoritarian administration has blamed the Washington of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly directed strikes against the South American country. In an official announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its oil and resources," Venezuela said.
The government urged the international community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that put millions of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses described experiencing at least multiple detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in different neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is reported to reside.
Regional Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate operational measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged strikes come after a prolonged campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro government. Since August, there has been a substantial American military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has stated "a state of emergency" and ordered all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this imperialist act."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not immediately addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the events.
