Blasts and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City

Reports surfaced of numerous detonations and the roar of low-flying jets in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The event has prompted accusations from Venezuela's government and calls for international intervention.

Venezuela Accuses Washington of Attack

Venezuela's socialist administration has condemned the United States of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly directed strikes against the Latin American state. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that strikes had impacted the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"The only objective of this attack is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.

The government urged the global community to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered millions of civilians in danger.

Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted

Locals spoke of feeling approximately multiple detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in different areas allegedly ran into the open.

"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," commented one local.

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

Regional Condemnation

The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate security measures at its frontier with its neighbor.

Background

These alleged strikes are preceded by a extended military buildup by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial naval presence off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's government has announced "a state of emergency" and directed all national defence measures to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "repudiate this external attack."

US authorities and the Defense Department have not promptly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the reports.