Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts surfaced of multiple detonations and the sound of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. The event has prompted claims from the Venezuelan government and demands for global action.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist government has blamed the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the South American state. In an official declaration, the government stated that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," the government asserted.
The government called on the international community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed numerous of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Locals described hearing roughly multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in several districts allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," stated one local.
Smoke was seen pouring from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would activate security protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged strikes are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, there has been a major American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this external act."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not promptly responded to requests for a statement regarding the reports.
