Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports emerged of several explosions and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The event has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Attack
Venezuela's socialist regime has blamed the Washington of an act of "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the South American country. In an official announcement, the government stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its petroleum and resources," the statement said.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to denounce the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered countless of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Locals spoke of feeling approximately several explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in various areas allegedly rushed into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the sky," commented one resident.
Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is reported to reside.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate defense protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of emergency" and directed all defense protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "repudiate this imperialist aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department have not immediately addressed requests for clarification regarding the reports.
