Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts emerged of numerous detonations and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This situation has prompted claims from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for global scrutiny.
Caracas Blames Washington of Aggression
The authoritarian government has accused the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the South American country. In an official statement, the government asserted that strikes had impacted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its oil and resources," the statement declared.
The government called on the international community to condemn the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered millions of lives in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Residents reported feeling roughly seven detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in various neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," commented one local.
Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is believed to live.
Global Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He requested an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would activate operational plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
The alleged attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, authorities reported a significant naval presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all defense measures to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this external attack."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not promptly commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.
