Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of several explosions and the sound of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This situation has sparked accusations from Venezuela's government and demands for global intervention.
Caracas Condemns US of Military Action
The authoritarian regime has condemned the United States of committing "foreign aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump supposedly ordered strikes against the South American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had impacted the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of these strikes is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its crude oil and resources," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Locals described experiencing roughly several powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in several neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the open.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the distance," commented one witness.
Smoke was seen pouring from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is thought to reside.
International Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Currently they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would initiate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
The reported attacks are preceded by a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, there has been a significant American military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.
The administration has announced "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this imperialist attack."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not promptly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.