Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of numerous explosions and the noise of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. The event has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for international intervention.
Caracas Accuses United States of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent regime has blamed the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the South American nation. In an formal declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its oil and resources," Venezuela declared.
The government called on the international community to censure the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered countless of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Locals reported hearing at least seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in different districts allegedly hurried into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We experienced explosions and jets in the distance," stated one resident.
Smoke was reported billowing from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate security protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
The reported strikes come after a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since August, authorities reported a substantial American military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
The government has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense measures to be activated. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "reject this foreign act."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not publicly commented on requests for clarification regarding the allegations.
