Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of multiple blasts and the noise of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This event has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for international intervention.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist administration has accused the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public statement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had targeted the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, especially its petroleum and resources," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials called on the global community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that placed countless of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Locals reported feeling roughly seven detonations around 2:00 AM local time. People in various districts allegedly rushed into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate security measures at its border with its neighbor.
Background
The reported attacks come after a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
The government has stated "a state of emergency" and ordered all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to protest and "repudiate this foreign aggression."
The White House and the Defense Department have not publicly commented on requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
