Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Reports surfaced of several blasts and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. This incident has sparked allegations from Venezuela's government and requests for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Attack
The authoritarian regime has condemned the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the Latin American country. In an official announcement, the government confirmed that strikes had hit the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, especially its petroleum and resources," Venezuela declared.
Caracas called on the world to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Residents described experiencing roughly seven detonations around the middle of the night local time. People in several areas allegedly rushed into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," said one resident.
Smoke was reported pouring from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate security protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
These alleged attacks follow a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, authorities reported a major US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and directed all defense protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "reject this imperialist act."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
