Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Accounts emerged of numerous explosions and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This event has led to allegations from Venezuela's government and calls for global action.
Caracas Blames US of Aggression
The socialist government has condemned the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the South American country. In an formal announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the international community to denounce the actions, which it described a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of feeling at least seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. People in several areas reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the area," said one witness.
Smoke was observed billowing from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Global Response
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on social media that "Currently they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate operational measures at its frontier with its neighbor.
Context
These alleged strikes are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, there has been a significant US military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defence protocols to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this foreign attack."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not immediately responded to requests for a statement regarding the reports.
