Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports surfaced of several explosions and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. The incident has sparked allegations from Venezuela's government and requests for global intervention.
Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent regime has accused the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the South American country. In an public announcement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," the government asserted.
Caracas appealed to the global community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered countless of lives in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Hit
Residents reported experiencing roughly several explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in various areas reportedly ran into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," said one local.
Plumes of smoke was seen rising from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence.
International Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on social media that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an swift emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate security protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
The reported strikes follow a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major US military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
The government has declared "a state of external threat" and commanded all defense protocols to be activated. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "repudiate this foreign attack."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not immediately responded to requests for clarification regarding the reports.
