Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of numerous detonations and the noise of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. The situation has prompted accusations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent government has blamed the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly directed strikes against the South American country. In an public declaration, the government asserted that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its crude oil and resources," Venezuela asserted.
The government appealed to the global community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered countless of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Hit
Residents described experiencing at least seven detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. People in various neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," commented one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
International Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
The alleged attacks are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has stated "a state of external threat" and directed all defense protocols to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "reject this external act."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not immediately commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
