Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City

Reports surfaced of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The event has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for global action.

Caracas Accuses US of Aggression

The incumbent government has condemned the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the Latin American state. In an public statement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"The sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.

The government called on the international community to denounce the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that placed numerous of civilians in peril.

Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted

Locals spoke of experiencing approximately seven explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in various districts allegedly rushed into the open.

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

Black smoke was observed rising from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Maduro is believed to have a residence.

Global Reaction

The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent meeting of the Security Council.

Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would activate operational plans at its border with Venezuela.

Context

These reported attacks are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant US military presence off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.

Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defence measures to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this foreign attack."

US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not promptly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the events.