Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City

Accounts emerged of several blasts and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. This situation has prompted allegations from Venezuela's government and demands for global intervention.

Caracas Blames United States of Military Action

Venezuela's authoritarian government has condemned the United States of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the Latin American nation. In an public declaration, the authorities confirmed that attacks had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The only objective of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.

Caracas appealed to the global community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that placed millions of lives at risk in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit

Eyewitnesses reported feeling roughly several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in various districts allegedly ran into the open.

"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the sky," commented one witness.

Black smoke was observed pouring from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.

International Condemnation

The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the Security Council.

Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with Venezuela.

Background

These alleged strikes follow a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant naval presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.

The administration has announced "a state of external threat" and directed all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this foreign aggression."

US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not immediately commented on requests for comment regarding the allegations.