Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous blasts and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. This event has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for international intervention.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent administration has blamed the US of committing "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly ordered strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal announcement, the government stated that attacks had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
The government appealed to the global community to condemn the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Hit
Locals described hearing at least several detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. People in different neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and planes in the sky," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Regional Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate security measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
The alleged attacks follow a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a major naval buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on boats accused of illegal activities.
The government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this imperialist act."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not publicly commented on requests for a statement regarding the events.
