Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of multiple blasts and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This situation has sparked allegations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global intervention.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Attack
The incumbent regime has accused the Washington of an act of "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had targeted the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its crude oil and minerals," the statement said.
The government called on the global community to denounce the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that put millions of lives in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted
Locals spoke of experiencing approximately multiple explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in different areas reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the area," stated one local.
Black smoke was reported billowing from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is thought to reside.
International Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate security protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported strikes follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, there has been a major US military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "repudiate this foreign attack."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not publicly commented on requests for clarification regarding the events.
