Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts emerged of numerous explosions and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This event has sparked claims from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for international action.
Caracas Accuses United States of Military Action
The socialist regime has accused the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump allegedly directed attacks against the Latin American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this attack is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and resources," the government asserted.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Locals described hearing at least seven detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in various neighborhoods reportedly ran into the open.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the distance," said one local.
Smoke was reported rising from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Regional Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate operational measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged strikes are preceded by a extended military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial naval buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.
The government has announced "a state of external threat" and directed all defense protocols to be activated. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "repudiate this external attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the events.
