Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of several blasts and the noise of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The incident has sparked accusations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Blames Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist government has condemned the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the Latin American country. In an official announcement, the government asserted that strikes had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," the statement declared.
The government appealed to the international community to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered numerous of civilians in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted
Residents reported hearing roughly multiple detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in different areas allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and planes in the distance," commented one local.
Black smoke was seen pouring from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He called for an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
These alleged attacks come after a months-long pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
The government has declared "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all defense plans to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "reject this foreign aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not publicly commented on requests for a statement regarding the events.
