Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts circulated of multiple explosions and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. This event has led to claims from Venezuela's leadership and calls for diplomatic action.
Caracas Blames Washington of Aggression
The socialist administration has accused the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the Latin American state. In an formal announcement, the government stated that attacks had hit the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.
The government called on the international community to denounce the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed millions of lives in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing at least seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. People in various neighborhoods allegedly ran into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the sky," commented one local.
Smoke was seen pouring from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on social media that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an swift emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate defense plans at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported strikes follow a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, there has been a significant American military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.
The administration has stated "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defence measures to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "reject this external act."
The White House and the Pentagon have not publicly commented on requests for comment regarding the events.
