Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts circulated of several explosions and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The incident has prompted claims from Venezuela's government and calls for global intervention.
Caracas Blames Washington of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent regime has condemned the US of what it calls "foreign aggression," stating that former President Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the Latin American nation. In an formal declaration, the government asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's key assets, especially its petroleum and resources," the statement declared.
Caracas urged the international community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Hit
Residents reported experiencing at least seven explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in several areas allegedly rushed into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the distance," said one local.
Black smoke was observed pouring from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an swift emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
The reported attacks follow a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has announced "a state of external threat" and directed all defense plans to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "repudiate this foreign act."
American officials and the Defense Department have not publicly responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the events.
