Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports surfaced of multiple blasts and the sound of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked allegations from Venezuela's government and calls for international action.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Aggression
The socialist regime has blamed the US of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed attacks against the Latin American country. In an official statement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had hit Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to seize control of our nation's key assets, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," the government said.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed countless of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of feeling at least seven detonations around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in various districts allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," stated one resident.
Smoke was seen rising from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would activate defense plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported strikes come after a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
The administration has announced "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all defense measures to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this external attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not promptly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
