Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Reports surfaced of several blasts and the noise of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The event has prompted accusations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for international intervention.
Caracas Condemns United States of Attack
The socialist government has blamed the US of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the South American nation. In an official announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had targeted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and resources," the statement said.
Caracas called on the international community to denounce the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that placed countless of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit
Residents spoke of feeling approximately seven detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in different areas allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard blasts and aircraft in the sky," said one local.
Plumes of smoke was seen rising from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, said it would activate security protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Context
These alleged attacks follow a months-long pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Since August, authorities reported a substantial naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defence plans to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "reject this external aggression."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not promptly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
