Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of multiple explosions and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The situation has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for global action.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has condemned the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump supposedly directed attacks against the South American state. In an formal statement, the government stated that strikes had hit the capital and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to take control of our nation's key assets, in particular its oil and minerals," the government said.
Venezuelan officials called on the global community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international norms" that placed numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Residents described hearing at least multiple detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in various districts reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," stated one resident.
Smoke was seen rising from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
International Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would activate security measures at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks follow a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
The administration has stated "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to take to the streets and "denounce this external act."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not immediately addressed requests for clarification regarding the allegations.
