Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous explosions and the noise of low-flying planes in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. This incident has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan government and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Attack
The incumbent administration has condemned the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," the government declared.
Caracas called on the world to censure the strikes, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that put millions of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing at least multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in different districts reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the area," said one witness.
Black smoke was observed rising from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate defense plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
The reported strikes are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, there has been a significant naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.
The administration has stated "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "denounce this foreign attack."
The White House and the Pentagon did not promptly addressed requests for clarification regarding the reports.
