Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Reports circulated of numerous detonations and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. The event has prompted accusations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for global action.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Attack
The authoritarian administration has condemned the Washington of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an official announcement, the authorities stated that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and mineral wealth," the government said.
The government appealed to the world to denounce the strikes, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered millions of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Locals reported hearing approximately several explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in various districts reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," said one witness.
Smoke was seen billowing from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is thought to reside.
International Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would activate operational measures at its border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged strikes come after a prolonged pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, authorities reported a major American military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on ships suspected of narco-trafficking.
The government has stated "a state of emergency" and directed all national defense measures to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist act."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not publicly addressed requests for clarification regarding the reports.