Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports circulated of several explosions and the roar of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. This incident has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Blames US of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent government has blamed the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," stating that former President Trump reportedly directed strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal statement, the government stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, especially its oil and resources," the government said.
Caracas urged the world to censure the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that placed millions of civilians in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported experiencing roughly seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in several neighborhoods reportedly ran into the open.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," commented one witness.
Black smoke was observed billowing from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
Global Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He called for an swift meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would activate operational measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
The reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Since August, there has been a substantial American military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defense measures to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this imperialist act."
The White House and the Pentagon did not publicly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
