Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies surfaced of numerous explosions and the noise of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. The incident has led to accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Attack
Venezuela's socialist government has blamed the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the Latin American state. In an official statement, the authorities stated that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its oil and minerals," the statement said.
Caracas urged the world to censure the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that put countless of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit
Locals spoke of experiencing roughly several detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in different districts reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," said one resident.
Smoke was reported pouring from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is thought to live.
Global Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He requested an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would activate defense plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
These reported attacks are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, there has been a significant naval presence off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defense plans to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this external aggression."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not immediately responded to inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
