Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts circulated of multiple blasts and the sound of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The event has led to claims from Venezuela's authorities and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Military Action
The socialist administration has condemned the US of what it calls "foreign aggression," stating that former President Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the Latin American country. In an official announcement, the government asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and minerals," the statement asserted.
The government appealed to the global community to censure the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed countless of lives in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing approximately several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in various areas reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and jets in the area," said one resident.
Black smoke was seen rising from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
These reported attacks come after a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major naval buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defense measures to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "repudiate this foreign aggression."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
