Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Accounts surfaced of several explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The event has prompted accusations from Venezuela's authorities and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns US of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent government has accused the United States of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the Latin American state. In an formal statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's key assets, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," the government declared.
Venezuelan officials called on the world to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that put numerous of lives in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses described hearing at least several explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. People in different districts allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and jets in the area," commented one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Regional Response
The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate operational plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
These reported attacks come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro government. Since August, there has been a substantial American military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.
The government has announced "a state of external threat" and commanded all defense plans to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "denounce this external attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not publicly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
