Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts emerged of several blasts and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The situation has led to allegations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Attack
Venezuela's socialist regime has condemned the Washington of an act of "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the Latin American country. In an official announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its petroleum and mineral wealth," the government asserted.
Caracas urged the international community to censure the actions, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that put countless of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses described feeling at least multiple detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in various districts allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," commented one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate defense plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
These reported strikes follow a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, there has been a major American military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defence measures to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "reject this foreign attack."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not publicly commented on requests for clarification regarding the reports.
