Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Reports surfaced of several blasts and the noise of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This event has led to allegations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for global intervention.
Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression
The socialist regime has accused the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the South American nation. In an formal announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its oil and resources," the government declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to censure the actions, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered countless of civilians in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported feeling at least several detonations around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in different areas reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard explosions and planes in the area," commented one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
International Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate defense measures at its border with its neighbor.
Context
The alleged strikes are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this external act."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not immediately addressed requests for a statement regarding the allegations.