Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports emerged of numerous detonations and the roar of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This event has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan government and requests for international intervention.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Aggression
The incumbent regime has blamed the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the South American nation. In an official announcement, the authorities stated that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's key assets, in particular its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the world to condemn the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that placed countless of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Hit
Residents described hearing roughly several explosions around the middle of the night local time. Residents in different districts reportedly ran into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," commented one resident.
Black smoke was observed billowing from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would activate security protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a major American military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
The government has declared "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this foreign aggression."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not publicly addressed requests for a statement regarding the reports.
