Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of multiple blasts and the roar of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The situation has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan government and demands for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent regime has condemned the United States of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the Latin American country. In an public announcement, the government confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and resources," the statement declared.
The government appealed to the world to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered countless of lives in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit
Residents reported feeling roughly several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. People in various neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," said one local.
Smoke was observed pouring from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He requested an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate defense protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Context
The reported strikes are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major American military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.
The administration has declared "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this external act."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the events.
