Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Accounts emerged of several detonations and the sound of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. The situation has led to allegations from the Venezuelan government and calls for global intervention.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Military Action
The socialist regime has blamed the United States of what it calls "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the South American country. In an formal statement, the government asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its crude oil and resources," the statement asserted.
Caracas appealed to the international community to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that placed numerous of lives in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Hit
Locals described experiencing at least multiple detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in different areas reportedly rushed into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," stated one resident.
Smoke was observed billowing from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate security protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged strikes are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant American military presence off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defence plans to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
