Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of numerous explosions and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. This situation has led to allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for global intervention.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent administration has blamed the US of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public statement, the government confirmed that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela said.
The government called on the international community to censure the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed numerous of lives in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported hearing approximately seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in various areas reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We heard explosions and jets in the sky," commented one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would initiate security plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The alleged strikes come after a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial American military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of emergency" and ordered all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this external act."
American officials and the Pentagon have not promptly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
