Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of numerous blasts and the sound of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The event has led to claims from Venezuela's authorities and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Attack
The incumbent regime has accused the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed attacks against the South American country. In an official announcement, the authorities asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and resources," the government asserted.
The government appealed to the global community to censure the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that put numerous of lives in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses described feeling roughly seven explosions around 2 a.m. local time. People in several areas reportedly ran into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the distance," stated one witness.
Smoke was seen billowing from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is believed to live.
Global Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate defense protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Background
The reported strikes are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Since August, there has been a major naval buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships suspected of narco-trafficking.
The administration has declared "a state of emergency" and ordered all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "reject this external attack."
American officials and the Defense Department have not publicly commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.
