Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City

Accounts surfaced of numerous detonations and the sound of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The incident has sparked allegations from Venezuela's government and calls for international action.

Caracas Blames US of Aggression

The socialist government has blamed the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly directed military strikes against the South American country. In an public announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had impacted the capital and three other states: 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 petroleum and resources," Venezuela asserted.

Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that put numerous of lives in danger.

Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted

Locals described hearing at least several explosions around 2 a.m. local time. People in different districts allegedly hurried into the open.

"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," commented one witness.

Black smoke was seen rising from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence.

Regional Condemnation

The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He called for an swift meeting of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would activate security plans at its frontier with Venezuela.

Preceding Events

The reported attacks come after a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Since August, authorities reported a major US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.

The government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defence measures to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "denounce this external act."

The White House and the Defense Department have not publicly commented on requests for clarification regarding the reports.