Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts surfaced of several explosions and the noise of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The incident has led to claims from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Accuses US of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian government has accused the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the South American country. In an official declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its oil and minerals," Venezuela declared.
The government urged the global community to denounce the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that put numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted
Locals described experiencing roughly seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in various districts allegedly rushed into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He called for an immediate emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate defense plans at its border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged strikes are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, there has been a major American military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all defense protocols to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this foreign attack."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not promptly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the events.
