Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of multiple detonations and the sound of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. The event has prompted accusations from Venezuela's government and demands for international intervention.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Military Action
The authoritarian regime has blamed the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly directed strikes against the South American nation. In an public announcement, the authorities asserted that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this attack is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, notably its petroleum and resources," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the world to censure the strikes, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that put numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported feeling at least several powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in several areas allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," commented one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
International Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate defense protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged attacks come after a months-long pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant American military presence off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on ships accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to mobilize and "reject this external aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department have not immediately addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.
