Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple explosions and the roar of low-flying planes in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The event has sparked claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for international action.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent government has blamed the US of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American country. In an official declaration, the authorities confirmed that strikes had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela said.
The government urged the international community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses described hearing roughly multiple explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in various districts allegedly ran into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard explosions and aircraft in the sky," said one witness.
Smoke was reported pouring from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "Right now they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported strikes come after a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Since August, authorities reported a major naval deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels linked to illegal activities.
The administration has declared "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this imperialist attack."
The White House and the Pentagon have not publicly responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.
