Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of multiple detonations and the noise of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. This situation has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan government and demands for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames US of Military Action
The socialist government has blamed the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump supposedly directed military strikes against the Latin American state. In an official statement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," the statement asserted.
The government called on the world to censure the strikes, which it described a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed countless of civilians in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing approximately several detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in various districts allegedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and jets in the distance," commented one resident.
Smoke was observed billowing from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is reported to reside.
International Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He called for an swift meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate operational protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged attacks are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, there has been a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has declared "a state of emergency" and directed all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this external act."
The White House and the Defense Department did not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
