Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. This situation has led to allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for international scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Attack
Venezuela's socialist government has blamed the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American state. In an public declaration, the government asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and resources," the statement asserted.
The government called on the world to censure the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that placed countless of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing approximately seven detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different districts reportedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the distance," commented one witness.
Smoke was seen rising from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an urgent emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would activate defense measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
The alleged attacks are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial naval buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
The government has stated "a state of emergency" and ordered all defense measures to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this foreign aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department did not immediately addressed requests for clarification regarding the reports.
