Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This incident has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for global scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses United States of Military Action
The incumbent administration has accused the US of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly directed attacks against the South American state. In an formal declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had hit the capital and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to take control of our nation's key assets, especially its crude oil and resources," the government declared.
Caracas appealed to the global community to denounce the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered countless of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit
Locals reported hearing approximately multiple detonations around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in several districts reportedly rushed into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and planes in the distance," said one local.
Black smoke was seen pouring from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is reported to reside.
International Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate defense measures at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
The administration has announced "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all defense protocols to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this foreign attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
