Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts emerged of several explosions and the noise of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. This incident has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan government and demands for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames United States of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent government has accused the US of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly directed strikes against the South American country. In an formal statement, the authorities stated that strikes had impacted the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its oil and resources," the statement said.
The government appealed to the international community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Locals described experiencing roughly several detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in different neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We heard blasts and planes in the sky," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen rising from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Regional Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, said it would activate operational measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
The reported attacks come after a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a major American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
The government has declared "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist attack."
American officials and the Pentagon have not promptly commented on requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
