Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City

Witness testimonies circulated of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This situation has led to claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for global scrutiny.

Venezuela Accuses US of Military Action

The authoritarian government has blamed the United States of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly directed strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"Our primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's key assets, especially its oil and resources," the statement said.

The government urged the international community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that put millions of lives in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted

Eyewitnesses described hearing approximately multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in different areas allegedly ran into the streets.

"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and jets in the area," said one witness.

Black smoke was observed pouring from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.

International Response

The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.

Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate operational measures at its shared border with its neighbor.

Context

These alleged strikes are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, authorities reported a significant naval deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "denounce this external aggression."

The White House and the Defense Department have not immediately addressed requests for comment regarding the allegations.