Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple explosions and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. The incident has prompted accusations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for international scrutiny.
Caracas Blames Washington of Attack
The incumbent administration has blamed the US of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the South American nation. In an formal statement, the authorities asserted that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its petroleum and resources," the government asserted.
The government urged the global community to censure the actions, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Locals reported hearing at least seven detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in several areas allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the distance," commented one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate defense protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Context
The reported attacks come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a major US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "a state of emergency" and directed all defense plans to be activated. It has also summoned its political forces to protest and "denounce this external act."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.
