Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts circulated of multiple blasts and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The incident has prompted accusations from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Accuses United States of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist regime has blamed the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump allegedly directed attacks against the Latin American nation. In an official statement, the government stated that attacks had impacted the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its oil and minerals," Venezuela said.
The government appealed to the global community to denounce the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that put countless of lives in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Residents spoke of hearing approximately several explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in different neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the distance," commented one witness.
Smoke was reported rising from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He requested an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would activate security protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since August, there has been a substantial US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
The administration has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "reject this imperialist attack."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not promptly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
