Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts surfaced of numerous detonations and the roar of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This situation has prompted accusations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for international action.
Caracas Blames US of Military Action
The socialist administration has blamed the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American country. 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 primary goal of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and minerals," the statement declared.
Caracas called on the global community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that put numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Locals spoke of feeling approximately multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in various districts allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the area," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is reported to reside.
Regional Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He requested an urgent emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would initiate defense plans at its border with Venezuela.
Context
These reported attacks are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial naval buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
The administration has stated "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all defense plans to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this external attack."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not promptly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
