Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous explosions and the noise of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. The incident has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent government has accused the Washington of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly directed military strikes against the South American country. In an formal statement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to take control of our nation's key assets, notably its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement declared.
The government urged the international community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses reported experiencing roughly seven detonations around the middle of the night local time. Residents in several areas reportedly ran into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We heard explosions and planes in the sky," said one resident.
Black smoke was reported rising from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is believed to reside.
International Response
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would activate operational plans at its border with its neighbor.
Background
These reported strikes are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant naval presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.
The administration has announced "a state of external threat" and ordered all defense measures to be implemented. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "reject this imperialist attack."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not promptly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
