Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Reports circulated of multiple explosions and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This incident has led to accusations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global action.
Venezuela Condemns US of Military Action
The socialist government has blamed the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump supposedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal statement, the government confirmed that strikes had targeted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its oil and mineral wealth," the government asserted.
The government urged the global community to censure the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that put countless of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses described experiencing roughly several detonations around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in several districts reportedly hurried into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and jets in the distance," stated one resident.
Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
International Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, wrote on social media that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate operational measures at its border with Venezuela.
Background
The reported strikes follow a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "reject this foreign attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not immediately addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
