Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of numerous detonations and the sound of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. The event has prompted claims from Venezuela's authorities and requests for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses US of Aggression
The authoritarian government has accused the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the South American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of these strikes is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.
Caracas called on the international community to condemn the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that placed countless of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Locals described hearing approximately multiple detonations around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in various districts allegedly rushed into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," commented one local.
Smoke was reported pouring from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.
Regional Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would activate operational plans at its border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported strikes are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Maduro regime. Since August, authorities reported a significant American military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
The administration has announced "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all defense protocols to be activated. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "reject this foreign aggression."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.