Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Accounts emerged of multiple detonations and the sound of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. This situation has led to allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for international scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Attack
The socialist administration has condemned the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American country. In an public statement, the government confirmed that attacks had hit the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its oil and resources," the statement said.
The government appealed to the global community to denounce the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed countless of lives in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Locals described feeling approximately seven detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in several neighborhoods reportedly ran into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the area," stated one resident.
Smoke was observed billowing from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Maduro administration. Since August, there has been a major American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defence protocols to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "denounce this foreign aggression."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not publicly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
