Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of numerous detonations and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. The event has led to allegations from Venezuela's government and calls for global action.
Venezuela Blames United States of Attack
The incumbent regime has condemned the US of committing "foreign aggression," stating that former President Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the South American country. In an formal announcement, the government asserted that attacks had hit the capital and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its petroleum and resources," the statement said.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to censure the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that placed countless of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported experiencing approximately seven detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in several districts allegedly ran into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," said one local.
Plumes of smoke was seen rising from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is thought to live.
Global Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate defense protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged strikes come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro government. Since last summer, there has been a major US military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of emergency" and directed all defense plans to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "repudiate this external attack."
American officials and the Pentagon have not promptly addressed requests for clarification regarding the events.
