Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts emerged of several explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The event has led to allegations from the Venezuelan government and demands for global action.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Attack
Venezuela's socialist regime has condemned the US of an act of "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an public announcement, the government stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this attack is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its oil and resources," Venezuela declared.
Caracas appealed to the global community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Locals spoke of hearing approximately seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in several areas reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," commented one witness.
Black smoke was reported pouring from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Global Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate security protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged strikes come after a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Since August, there has been a significant American military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.
The government has declared "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this external aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not immediately addressed inquiries for comment regarding the events.
