Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City

Witness testimonies emerged of numerous explosions and the roar of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This situation has led to claims from Venezuela's government and requests for global action.

Venezuela Accuses Washington of Aggression

The socialist administration has condemned the Washington of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed strikes against the South American state. In an formal statement, the government stated that attacks had targeted the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"The sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, especially its oil and mineral wealth," the government said.

Caracas called on the international community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that put countless of lives at risk in danger.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Hit

Locals described hearing roughly several explosions around the middle of the night local time. Residents in several districts allegedly hurried into the streets outside.

"Everything shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," stated one local.

Smoke was observed rising from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is thought to live.

Regional Condemnation

The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He requested an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would initiate operational measures at its shared border with its neighbor.

Context

The alleged attacks are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.

The administration has stated "a state of external threat" and directed all national defence protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "repudiate this external attack."

American officials and the Defense Department have not promptly addressed requests for clarification regarding the reports.