Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas

Witness testimonies surfaced of several detonations and the sound of low-flying jets in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. This situation has led to allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for international scrutiny.

Caracas Blames US of Aggression

Venezuela's socialist government has accused the US of committing "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an public statement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had impacted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its oil and minerals," the statement asserted.

The government appealed to the international community to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that placed countless of lives at risk in danger.

Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit

Eyewitnesses described feeling approximately seven explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in different neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets.

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

Plumes of smoke was seen rising from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is believed to have a residence.

Regional Condemnation

The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate security protocols at its border with its neighbor.

Context

These alleged strikes follow a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, there has been a significant US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on boats suspected of narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of emergency" and commanded all defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "denounce this foreign attack."

The White House and the Pentagon did not immediately commented on requests for comment regarding the reports.