Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports surfaced of several detonations and the noise of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The incident has prompted accusations from Venezuela's government and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Blames United States of Attack
The socialist administration has blamed the US of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal statement, the authorities stated that strikes had hit Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its oil and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
The government urged the world to censure the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that put numerous of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted
Locals reported feeling at least several powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in several districts reportedly rushed into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the distance," commented one local.
Smoke was observed rising from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Right now they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He requested an immediate emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would activate security plans at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The alleged strikes are preceded by a extended military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, there has been a substantial American military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "reject this external attack."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not publicly addressed requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
