Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of multiple blasts and the roar of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. This situation has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for international intervention.
Caracas Condemns US of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent administration has accused the Washington of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the Latin American country. In an formal declaration, the authorities stated that strikes had impacted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its oil and resources," the government asserted.
The government appealed to the international community to condemn the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed numerous of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses described feeling approximately seven explosions around 2:00 AM local time. People in different districts allegedly rushed into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the distance," commented one witness.
Black smoke was observed pouring from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Response
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He requested an immediate emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, said it would initiate security protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Context
The alleged attacks are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Since August, there has been a major American military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defense plans to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this foreign aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not promptly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
