Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports emerged of several explosions and the roar of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. This event has prompted claims from the Venezuelan government and calls for international action.
Caracas Blames Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent regime has condemned the Washington of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the South American state. In an official declaration, the government confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this aggression is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and resources," the statement asserted.
Caracas called on the world to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that placed numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing roughly several explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in different areas reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is thought to live.
Global Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He requested an immediate emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate defense plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The alleged attacks come after a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major American military deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
The government has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all defense protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its political forces to protest and "repudiate this external attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not immediately addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.