Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies surfaced of several detonations and the sound of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. This situation has sparked claims from Venezuela's leadership and calls for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Blames United States of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent administration has accused the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump reportedly directed attacks against the South American country. In an public statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement said.
Caracas called on the world to denounce the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered countless of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses described hearing approximately multiple detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. People in various districts allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the area," commented one witness.
Black smoke was reported billowing from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.
International Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on social media that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate defense plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged attacks are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro administration. Since last summer, there has been a major American military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.
The administration has announced "a state of emergency" and directed all defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist act."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not immediately commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
