Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports emerged of several blasts and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. This incident has sparked claims from Venezuela's authorities and demands for global action.
Caracas Condemns US of Attack
The socialist administration has condemned the United States of what it calls "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the Latin American nation. In an formal announcement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had impacted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and resources," the government said.
Venezuelan officials called on the global community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted
Residents reported hearing roughly multiple explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in different neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the sky," commented one local.
Black smoke was observed pouring from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
International Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate operational plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
These reported attacks are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Maduro regime. Since August, there has been a major American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of emergency" and directed all defense measures to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this external aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon did not immediately addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
