Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports surfaced of numerous explosions and the noise of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. This event has led to allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for diplomatic action.
Caracas Accuses US of Attack
The incumbent government has accused the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the South American country. In an official declaration, the government confirmed that strikes had targeted the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to take control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its petroleum and resources," the government asserted.
Venezuelan officials called on the international community to denounce the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that put numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted
Locals reported feeling approximately several powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. People in different areas allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the sky," commented one resident.
Black smoke was seen billowing from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
Regional Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He requested an immediate emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would initiate defense plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Maduro administration. Since August, there has been a major American military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
The government has announced "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist attack."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not publicly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the events.
