Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of numerous blasts and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The event has led to accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist administration has accused the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed attacks against the South American nation. In an official statement, the government stated that strikes had hit Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.
Caracas urged the global community to denounce the actions, which it described a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered countless of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing roughly seven detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in various neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and planes in the distance," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate operational plans at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged strikes come after a prolonged pressure campaign 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 airstrikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
The government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defence measures to be activated. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this external attack."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not publicly commented on requests for comment regarding the reports.
