Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports circulated of multiple explosions and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This incident has led to accusations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Military Action
The incumbent administration has accused the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the Latin American state. In an formal announcement, the government stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and resources," Venezuela declared.
Venezuelan officials called on the international community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered countless of lives in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses described feeling roughly seven detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in different districts reportedly rushed into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard blasts and planes in the sky," said one witness.
Black smoke was reported pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is reported to reside.
International Response
The president of bordering Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would activate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported strikes come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, there has been a major American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also called on its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this external act."
The White House and the Pentagon did not promptly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the events.