Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Reports surfaced of several blasts and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. The situation has prompted allegations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for international action.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Aggression
The authoritarian regime has condemned the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the South American state. In an formal announcement, the government confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its oil and minerals," the government asserted.
Caracas called on the world to denounce the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that placed millions of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit
Locals spoke of feeling at least multiple explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in various neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the distance," said one witness.
Black smoke was observed billowing from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He requested an swift emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
The alleged strikes follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial US military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has declared "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "repudiate this external aggression."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not promptly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
