Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Reports circulated of multiple blasts and the sound of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. This incident has led to accusations from Venezuela's government and demands for global intervention.
Venezuela Accuses US of Attack
Venezuela's socialist regime has condemned the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the Latin American state. In an official statement, the government stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its oil and resources," the statement asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to denounce the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international norms" that put numerous of civilians in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses described feeling roughly several explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in different areas reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," commented one resident.
Smoke was seen billowing from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate defense plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
These alleged attacks follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on ships accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of emergency" and ordered all defense plans to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this foreign act."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not publicly addressed requests for clarification regarding the events.