Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts circulated of numerous detonations and the sound of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has accused the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the South American state. In an official announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and minerals," the government declared.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to condemn the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that put countless of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Sites Hit
Residents described experiencing approximately multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different districts reportedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was observed rising from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Regional Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an swift emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged attacks come after a extended military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major American military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "reject this external aggression."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not immediately commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
