Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts emerged of several detonations and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The event has led to accusations from Venezuela's government and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Blames Washington of Attack
Venezuela's authoritarian government has blamed the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly directed military strikes against the Latin American country. In an official announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to condemn the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Locals described feeling at least several explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in different districts reportedly ran into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," said one witness.
Smoke was seen billowing from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is thought to reside.
Global Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate operational plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported strikes follow a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial American military deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "a state of emergency" and directed all defense plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this foreign aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon have not publicly addressed requests for comment regarding the reports.
