Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of several blasts and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The situation has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Condemns US of Attack
The incumbent government has accused the US of committing "imperial aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the Latin American country. In an public declaration, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this aggression is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," the government said.
The government called on the global community to censure the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed millions of lives in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Hit
Locals spoke of feeling roughly several explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. People in various districts reportedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and aircraft in the sky," said one local.
Smoke was seen rising from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on social media that "Currently they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate defense plans at its border with Venezuela.
Background
These reported attacks are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this external aggression."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not publicly addressed requests for clarification regarding the allegations.
