Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts emerged of numerous detonations and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The situation has led to accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for international intervention.
Venezuela Blames United States of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist administration has accused the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the Latin American nation. In an official declaration, the government asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its crude oil and minerals," the government declared.
Venezuelan officials called on the world to condemn the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered millions of lives in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing approximately multiple explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in several areas reportedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," commented one resident.
Plumes of smoke was seen rising from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Response
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on social media that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate operational plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
The reported attacks follow a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major American military presence off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
The government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this foreign act."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not publicly commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.
