Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts emerged of numerous blasts and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. This event has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan government and demands for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent government has accused the US of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump allegedly directed strikes against the South American nation. In an formal announcement, the government asserted that strikes had hit the capital and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," the government asserted.
The government urged the global community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that placed countless of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted
Residents reported hearing at least several detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in several areas reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the area," stated one local.
Smoke was reported billowing from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He requested an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would activate operational protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
The alleged strikes follow a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, there has been a significant American military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
The government has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defence plans to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "reject this external aggression."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
