Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Accounts circulated of several blasts and the roar of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. The incident has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Aggression
The socialist government has condemned the US of committing "imperial aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an formal announcement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its petroleum and resources," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials called on the global community to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that put numerous of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted
Locals reported experiencing at least several detonations around 2:00 AM local time. People in different districts reportedly hurried into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the sky," said one local.
Black smoke was observed pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate defense protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Background
These reported attacks follow a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro administration. Since August, there has been a substantial US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
The government has declared "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to protest and "reject this foreign aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon did not publicly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the events.
