Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports surfaced of several explosions and the roar of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This event has led to accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for international scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has blamed the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the South American state. In an official declaration, the authorities stated that strikes had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and resources," the statement declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to censure the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed numerous of lives in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Hit
Locals spoke of experiencing roughly multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in several districts allegedly rushed into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," said one witness.
Smoke was reported rising from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is reported to reside.
International Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He requested an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged strikes are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since August, authorities reported a significant American military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defence protocols to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this external act."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
