Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of multiple blasts and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This event has prompted allegations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses US of Military Action
The incumbent regime has condemned the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an public declaration, the government confirmed that strikes had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's key assets, in particular its oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.
Caracas called on the international community to censure the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that placed countless of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Hit
Locals spoke of hearing roughly several explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different areas reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the distance," said one local.
Plumes of smoke was observed rising from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate defense protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported attacks are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major naval buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of emergency" and ordered all defense plans to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "reject this foreign aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon did not publicly commented on requests for comment regarding the allegations.
