Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Accounts surfaced of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. The situation has prompted accusations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for global intervention.
Venezuela Accuses US of Attack
Venezuela's socialist government has accused the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the South American state. In an public statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had hit the capital and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its petroleum and resources," the statement said.
The government appealed to the world to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that put millions of civilians in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing roughly multiple explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in different districts reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We experienced explosions and planes in the sky," stated one local.
Smoke was reported billowing from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
International Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He called for an urgent emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate defense plans at its border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported attacks follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, there has been a significant US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of external threat" and directed all defense protocols to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this external attack."
American officials and the Pentagon have not promptly responded to requests for clarification regarding the events.
