Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of numerous blasts and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. This incident has sparked accusations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for international intervention.
Caracas Blames Washington of Attack
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has blamed the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the South American country. In an official statement, the authorities stated that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and resources," the government said.
Venezuelan officials called on the world to denounce the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that put numerous of lives in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Locals spoke of experiencing roughly seven detonations around the middle of the night local time. Residents in different neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the distance," commented one witness.
Smoke was seen pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate operational protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged attacks are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to protest and "reject this imperialist act."
American officials and the Pentagon have not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
