Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City

Reports surfaced of multiple detonations and the sound of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. This incident has led to claims from Venezuela's leadership and demands for international action.

Venezuela Accuses Washington of Attack

Venezuela's incumbent government has condemned the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly authorized strikes against the South American state. In an public statement, the government stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"Our only objective of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and resources," the government declared.

Venezuelan officials urged the international community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered millions of civilians in jeopardy.

Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Hit

Locals spoke of feeling approximately seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in different areas reportedly hurried into the open.

"Everything shook. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and planes in the distance," commented one local.

Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is reported to have a residence.

Regional Condemnation

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He called for an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate defense protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.

Context

These reported attacks are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major US military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships suspected of narco-trafficking.

The government has announced "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defense measures to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "reject this foreign attack."

American officials and the Defense Department have not promptly commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.