Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. The event has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan government and requests for international intervention.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Aggression
The incumbent administration has condemned the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the Latin American state. In an public announcement, the government asserted that attacks had targeted the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its oil and minerals," the statement asserted.
The government urged the international community to denounce the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that endangered countless of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported hearing at least multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in various areas reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," stated one witness.
Plumes of smoke was observed billowing from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is believed to live.
Regional Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would activate operational measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
The reported attacks follow a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant American military presence off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to protest and "denounce this external act."
American officials and the Defense Department have not immediately addressed requests for a statement regarding the events.
