Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City

Reports emerged of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This event has prompted accusations from Venezuela's government and calls for global action.

Caracas Accuses Washington of Military Action

Venezuela's socialist regime has blamed the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the South American nation. In an public declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"The only objective of this attack is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela said.

Venezuelan officials urged the global community to censure the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered countless of civilians in danger.

Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted

Residents described hearing at least several powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in several districts reportedly rushed into the open.

"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and planes in the distance," said one witness.

Smoke was seen rising from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is believed to reside.

International Condemnation

The leader of neighboring Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the Security Council.

Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate security protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.

Context

These alleged attacks follow a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, there has been a significant American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.

The government has announced "a state of emergency" and directed all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its political forces to protest and "denounce this external attack."

American officials and the Defense Department did not publicly commented on requests for comment regarding the reports.