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

Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple detonations and the roar of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. The event has prompted claims from Venezuela's government and demands for international scrutiny.

Caracas Condemns US of Attack

The socialist administration has accused the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the South American country. In an public announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"The primary goal of this attack is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement said.

The government urged the global community to censure the actions, which it described a "flagrant violation of international law" that put millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted

Eyewitnesses described hearing at least multiple detonations around 2 a.m. local time. People in several districts reportedly hurried into the streets.

"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We heard blasts and planes in the sky," said one witness.

Black smoke was seen pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is believed to reside.

Global Condemnation

The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an urgent meeting of the Security Council.

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

Context

The alleged strikes are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial US military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "reject this foreign act."

American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.