Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Accounts emerged of several explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. The incident has sparked accusations from Venezuela's government and demands for global action.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Attack
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has blamed the United States of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly directed strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement said.
Caracas appealed to the world to denounce the actions, which it termed a "blatant breach of international norms" that put numerous of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted
Locals described feeling roughly several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in several districts allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is believed to live.
Regional Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, stated on social media that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
These reported attacks follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major naval deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all defense plans to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "reject this foreign act."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not publicly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.
