Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts emerged of several blasts and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This incident has sparked claims from Venezuela's leadership and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses US of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has blamed the US of what it calls "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the South American country. In an public announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had hit the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its crude oil and resources," Venezuela said.
Caracas urged the global community to denounce the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered numerous of lives in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing at least several powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in several areas allegedly ran into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the area," commented one resident.
Smoke was seen pouring from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is reported to live.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate security protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These alleged attacks are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
The government has declared "a state of external disturbance" and directed all defense protocols to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist attack."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not publicly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
