Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports surfaced of numerous blasts and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This incident has led to allegations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for diplomatic action.
Caracas Blames US of Attack
The incumbent administration has blamed the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its oil and minerals," the statement declared.
Caracas called on the international community to censure the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that placed numerous of civilians in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses reported hearing at least seven detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in various neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We heard explosions and aircraft in the sky," said one local.
Black smoke was reported pouring from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
International Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, said it would initiate security protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged strikes are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, there has been a significant US military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on ships accused of narco-trafficking.
The government has announced "the implementation of emergency" and directed all defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "reject this foreign act."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not publicly commented on requests for comment regarding the reports.
