Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports emerged of multiple blasts and the noise of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This event has prompted claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for diplomatic action.
Caracas Blames Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent government has condemned the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly directed military strikes against the South American country. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that strikes had targeted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses reported feeling roughly multiple explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in several neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," stated one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate defense plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
The reported attacks come after a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Since last summer, there has been a major naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
The government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this foreign act."
The White House and the Defense Department have not promptly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
