Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City

Reports circulated of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This situation has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan government and demands for international scrutiny.

Caracas Accuses Washington of Military Action

The authoritarian government has blamed the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American state. In an public declaration, the government confirmed that attacks had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"Our primary goal of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," the statement said.

The government urged the world to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that put millions of lives in jeopardy.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted

Eyewitnesses described experiencing approximately seven detonations around 2 a.m. local time. People in various areas allegedly ran into the streets outside.

"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard explosions and planes in the sky," commented one resident.

Smoke was reported billowing from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is believed to reside.

International Condemnation

The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate security protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.

Context

The reported attacks come after a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, authorities reported a significant US military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships linked to illegal activities.

The administration has declared "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this external attack."

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