Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports surfaced of multiple explosions and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The event has led to accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for global action.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Aggression
The socialist government has accused the Washington of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American country. In an public announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had targeted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.
The government called on the world to censure the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that put millions of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses described experiencing at least several detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in several districts reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would activate security measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, authorities reported a significant US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all national defence measures to be activated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this foreign attack."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
