Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Accounts emerged of multiple blasts and the sound of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This event has led to claims from Venezuela's leadership and requests for international intervention.
Caracas Condemns US of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian government has condemned the United States of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the South American nation. In an formal statement, the government stated that attacks had impacted the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," the statement said.
The government appealed to the world to censure the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that placed countless of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing approximately several powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. People in several areas allegedly rushed into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the area," stated one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would initiate operational protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial naval deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "repudiate this imperialist act."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
