Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas

Accounts emerged of numerous detonations and the noise of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This incident has sparked accusations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for international intervention.

Caracas Accuses US of Attack

The socialist administration has condemned the United States of an act of "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public declaration, the government asserted that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"The primary goal of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and resources," Venezuela said.

Venezuelan officials urged the international community to denounce the actions, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered countless of lives in jeopardy.

Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted

Residents reported experiencing at least seven detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in several neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the open.

"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and aircraft in the sky," stated one resident.

Black smoke was reported rising from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.

Regional Reaction

The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would initiate operational protocols at its border with Venezuela.

Preceding Events

These reported attacks follow a months-long military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on ships linked to illegal activities.

Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of emergency" and directed all defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this foreign aggression."

The White House and the US Department of Defense did not promptly responded to requests for a statement regarding the allegations.