Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports surfaced of multiple detonations and the roar of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The situation has sparked allegations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Attack
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has condemned the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American state. In an official declaration, the government confirmed that attacks had hit the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its oil and minerals," Venezuela declared.
Caracas called on the international community to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that placed numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses reported feeling approximately seven detonations around 2:00 AM local time. People in several neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," commented one witness.
Black smoke was reported rising from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Regional Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "Right now they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would activate security plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks follow a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, there has been a major US military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "a state of emergency" and directed all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "denounce this external attack."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
