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

Accounts emerged of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This situation has led to accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for diplomatic action.

Venezuela Condemns Washington of Aggression

The authoritarian administration has condemned the Washington of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump supposedly directed attacks against the Latin American country. In an official statement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"Our sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement declared.

The government called on the world to censure the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered countless of civilians in jeopardy.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Hit

Locals described feeling approximately several powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in different areas allegedly ran into the streets.

"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the distance," said one witness.

Black smoke was reported pouring from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.

International Condemnation

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an urgent meeting of the Security Council.

Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, said it would activate operational measures at its frontier with Venezuela.

Context

These alleged attacks are preceded by a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant naval deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats accused of illegal activities.

Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this external aggression."

US authorities and the Pentagon have not immediately responded to requests for clarification regarding the reports.