Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts circulated of several blasts and the noise of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The incident has prompted accusations from Venezuela's government and requests for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression
The authoritarian regime has blamed the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela declared.
Caracas appealed to the international community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered millions of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Locals described hearing at least seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in different areas reportedly ran into the open.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the area," commented one local.
Smoke was observed pouring from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is thought to live.
Global Response
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate operational plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
These reported strikes come after a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Since August, authorities reported a substantial naval buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to protest and "reject this foreign aggression."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not promptly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
