Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts circulated of multiple explosions and the roar of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. This event has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist government has condemned the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly directed military strikes against the South American nation. In an formal announcement, the government asserted that strikes had hit the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to take control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its oil and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
Caracas appealed to the world to condemn the actions, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that put numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of feeling roughly several detonations around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in different neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and jets in the area," stated one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would activate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged strikes follow a extended military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant naval deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.
The administration has declared "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defence plans to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "reject this external aggression."
The White House and the Defense Department have not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the events.
