Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City

Witness testimonies emerged of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. The incident has led to claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.

Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action

The socialist administration has blamed the Washington of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public announcement, the authorities asserted that attacks had targeted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"Our sole aim of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," the government said.

Venezuelan officials urged the global community to denounce the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed numerous of lives at risk in danger.

Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit

Locals described experiencing approximately multiple powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in different areas allegedly rushed into the streets.

"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," commented one local.

Smoke was reported billowing from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.

International Reaction

The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, said it would activate defense protocols at its border with Venezuela.

Context

These reported attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant American military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on ships accused of narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of external threat" and directed all defense plans to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this foreign act."

American officials and the Defense Department have not immediately responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the events.