Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts circulated of multiple detonations and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The event has led to allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Accuses US of Aggression
The socialist administration has condemned the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump allegedly directed strikes against the Latin American state. In an official declaration, the government asserted that attacks had hit the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.
The government appealed to the world to censure the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that put countless of civilians in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Targeted
Locals described hearing approximately seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in different districts reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the sky," commented one local.
Smoke was reported pouring from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is believed to live.
International Response
The president of bordering Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would activate security protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks follow a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant US military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
The government has stated "a state of emergency" and directed all defense protocols to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this imperialist attack."
American officials and the Pentagon have not publicly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
