Blasts and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City

Witness testimonies emerged of numerous detonations and the noise of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. The event has led to accusations from the Venezuelan government and requests for diplomatic intervention.

Caracas Condemns Washington of Attack

Venezuela's socialist regime has accused the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly directed strikes against the South American country. In an official announcement, the government asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"The only objective of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, notably its oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.

The government urged the international community to censure the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that endangered countless of civilians in jeopardy.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted

Residents spoke of hearing roughly multiple explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in several neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets outside.

"Everything shook. It was horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the area," commented one resident.

Smoke was observed pouring from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.

International Condemnation

The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He called for an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.

Background

The alleged attacks are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro government. Since August, authorities reported a substantial naval presence off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.

The government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all defense measures to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist attack."

US authorities and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to requests for clarification regarding the reports.