Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas

Witness testimonies circulated of numerous explosions and the noise of low-flying planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The event has led to claims from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic action.

Venezuela Blames Washington of Aggression

The socialist administration has accused the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an public declaration, the government stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"The only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and minerals," the government declared.

Venezuelan officials urged the global community to condemn the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that put numerous of lives in jeopardy.

Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit

Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing approximately multiple explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. People in various neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets outside.

"Everything shook. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the sky," said one witness.

Black smoke was reported billowing from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is thought to reside.

Regional Response

The leader of neighboring Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate security measures at its shared border with Venezuela.

Context

The reported strikes are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant naval deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships linked to illegal activities.

The administration has stated "a state of external threat" and directed all defense measures to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this foreign aggression."

American officials and the US Department of Defense did not promptly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the events.