Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas

Witness testimonies circulated of multiple blasts and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. The event has sparked claims from Venezuela's leadership and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.

Venezuela Accuses United States of Military Action

The socialist administration has blamed the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly directed attacks against the South American state. In an formal announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The sole aim of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its petroleum and resources," Venezuela asserted.

Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to censure the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that put millions of lives in peril.

Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted

Locals spoke of hearing roughly seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Residents in various areas reportedly rushed into the open.

"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the distance," commented one witness.

Black smoke was reported billowing from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.

International Response

The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He requested an immediate emergency session of the UN Security Council.

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

Context

These alleged attacks come after a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, authorities reported a major naval deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on ships linked to illegal activities.

Venezuela's government has stated "a state of emergency" and directed all national defence measures to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist attack."

American officials and the US Department of Defense did not immediately responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.