Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas

Reports emerged of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This situation has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for international scrutiny.

Caracas Condemns US of Attack

Venezuela's socialist government has condemned the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly directed attacks against the South American state. In an public announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had impacted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"Our only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its oil and resources," the statement asserted.

Venezuelan officials urged the global community to censure the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of global law" that put numerous of civilians in jeopardy.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted

Eyewitnesses reported feeling roughly several detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in different areas allegedly ran into the open.

"Everything shook. It was horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," commented one witness.

Black smoke was seen billowing from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.

International Reaction

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

Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate operational measures at its frontier with Venezuela.

Background

These alleged strikes are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Since August, authorities reported a significant US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of external threat" and directed all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "repudiate this imperialist aggression."

US authorities and the Defense Department have not immediately addressed requests for a statement regarding the reports.