Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple detonations and the noise of low-flying planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This situation has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses US of Aggression
The incumbent government has condemned the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Trump allegedly directed attacks against the Latin American state. In an public statement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had hit the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the international community to condemn the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that put countless of lives in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing approximately several explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in various areas allegedly hurried into the open.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and planes in the distance," commented one resident.
Black smoke was observed pouring from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Global Response
The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "Right now they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate defense plans at its border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported strikes come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major American military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defence measures to be activated. It has also urged its supporters to mobilize and "denounce this imperialist attack."
American officials and the Defense Department did not publicly commented on requests for comment regarding the reports.
