Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of numerous detonations and the sound of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This event has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for global action.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Attack
The authoritarian administration has accused the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the South American country. In an public declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and resources," the government declared.
The government appealed to the world to denounce the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international norms" that placed millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Locals reported experiencing approximately seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in different neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the sky," stated one resident.
Smoke was seen rising from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is believed to live.
Global Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate security measures at its border with its neighbor.
Background
The reported strikes come after a extended military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major naval buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this foreign aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department have not immediately addressed requests for comment regarding the reports.
