Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports circulated of several detonations and the noise of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The event has led to accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for global intervention.
Caracas Condemns United States of Military Action
The authoritarian administration has accused the United States of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the South American state. In an official announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its petroleum and resources," the statement declared.
The government appealed to the global community to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that put millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses reported feeling at least several powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. People in several areas allegedly hurried into the open.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," commented one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Global Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate operational plans at its border with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged attacks come after a months-long military buildup by the US against the Maduro government. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
The administration has stated "a state of external disturbance" and directed all defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "reject this foreign attack."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not immediately commented on requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
