Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports emerged of several blasts and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The event has sparked allegations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Attack
The incumbent government has condemned the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly directed strikes against the Latin American state. In an official declaration, the government confirmed that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and resources," the government asserted.
Caracas appealed to the international community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that placed countless of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted
Residents spoke of feeling approximately seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in various districts reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," commented one local.
Plumes of smoke was observed rising from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
Regional Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate security protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported strikes are preceded by a extended military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
The administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all defense protocols to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "reject this external attack."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not promptly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.
