Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports emerged of numerous blasts and the sound of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This situation has led to accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Aggression
The socialist administration has accused the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump supposedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American country. In an public announcement, the government confirmed that strikes had targeted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's key assets, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
The government appealed to the global community to condemn the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of international norms" that put numerous of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Hit
Residents reported experiencing approximately multiple detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in several areas reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the area," commented one resident.
Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "Currently they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He requested an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate security protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
The reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major American military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this foreign act."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not promptly responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.
