Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of multiple explosions and the roar of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. This event has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames United States of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent regime has blamed the US of what it calls "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump allegedly directed attacks against the Latin American country. In an formal announcement, the authorities asserted that attacks had hit the capital and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international norms" that endangered millions of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted
Locals described hearing approximately multiple explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in several areas reportedly ran into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the area," stated one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, said it would activate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
The alleged attacks are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Maduro government. Since August, there has been a significant US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
The administration has stated "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "reject this foreign act."
The White House and the Defense Department did not publicly responded to requests for clarification regarding the allegations.
