Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous detonations and the sound of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. The incident has led to claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for global action.
Venezuela Blames US of Military Action
The incumbent administration has accused the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the South American country. In an official statement, the government confirmed that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, especially its oil and mineral wealth," the government said.
The government appealed to the world to denounce the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that put millions of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Residents spoke of experiencing at least several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in different neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We heard explosions and aircraft in the distance," stated one local.
Black smoke was observed rising from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate operational protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
These alleged attacks follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, authorities reported a substantial US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its citizens to protest and "denounce this external act."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not immediately commented on inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
