Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City

Accounts surfaced of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. This event has led to allegations from the Venezuelan government and calls for international action.

Venezuela Accuses US of Attack

The authoritarian administration has blamed the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed strikes against the Latin American country. In an public declaration, the government confirmed that strikes had impacted the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its oil and minerals," the statement said.

Venezuelan officials urged the international community to denounce the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that put numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.

Reports of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted

Eyewitnesses described hearing at least several detonations around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in different areas allegedly hurried into the streets.

"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the distance," said one local.

Plumes of smoke was reported rising from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Maduro is thought to have a residence.

Global Response

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an urgent meeting of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.

Background

The reported strikes come after a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's government has stated "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "denounce this foreign act."

American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.