Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts emerged of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. The event has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan government and calls for global intervention.
Venezuela Condemns US of Military Action
The socialist administration has accused the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal statement, the government asserted that attacks had impacted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, notably its crude oil and resources," the government asserted.
The government called on the world to condemn the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered millions of lives in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted
Locals described feeling roughly multiple explosions around the middle of the night local time. Residents in several areas allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Response
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an swift meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate security plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged strikes come after a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro administration. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial naval buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
The administration has stated "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all defense plans to be activated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this external act."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
