Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts circulated of several blasts and the sound of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This situation has led to claims from Venezuela's government and calls for global action.
Caracas Accuses United States of Attack
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has condemned the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump supposedly directed military strikes against the South American state. In an formal statement, the authorities asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its oil and resources," the statement declared.
The government urged the global community to censure the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed numerous of lives in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Residents reported hearing roughly several explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in different districts reportedly rushed into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," commented one resident.
Smoke was reported billowing from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence.
International Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate defense plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Context
The alleged attacks come after a extended military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Since August, authorities reported a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on boats suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "denounce this imperialist act."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not immediately commented on requests for clarification regarding the reports.
