Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Reports circulated of multiple blasts and the roar of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The event has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan government and requests for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has accused the United States of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the South American state. In an official declaration, the authorities stated that strikes had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this attack is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its oil and resources," the government declared.
The government appealed to the global community to condemn the strikes, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international norms" that endangered countless of lives in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Hit
Residents spoke of experiencing at least several explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in several neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the distance," commented one local.
Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is believed to live.
Global Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate defense measures at its frontier with its neighbor.
Context
The alleged strikes are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
The government has declared "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defence protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly responded to requests for clarification regarding the allegations.
