Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts circulated of multiple detonations and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The event has prompted claims from Venezuela's government and calls for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Attack
The authoritarian administration has blamed the Washington of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump supposedly directed attacks against the Latin American country. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and minerals," the government asserted.
The government urged the international community to condemn the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered countless of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing approximately several detonations around 2:00 AM local time. People in different areas reportedly ran into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and jets in the distance," said one resident.
Black smoke was seen billowing from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is believed to live.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would activate operational plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Context
The alleged attacks come after a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial naval buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
The government has declared "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "denounce this imperialist attack."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not promptly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the events.
