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

Accounts circulated of multiple explosions and the roar of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The incident has led to accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for international action.

Venezuela Condemns Washington of Attack

Venezuela's socialist regime has condemned the United States of what it calls "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the South American nation. In an public announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had hit the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its petroleum and resources," Venezuela said.

Caracas appealed to the international community to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international norms" that put numerous of civilians in jeopardy.

Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Hit

Locals reported feeling roughly several powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. People in various districts allegedly ran into the streets.

"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," stated one witness.

Black smoke was observed rising from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is thought to live.

Global Condemnation

The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate defense plans at its border with Venezuela.

Context

These reported strikes come after a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial naval deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.

Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defence measures to be activated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this foreign attack."

American officials and the US Department of Defense did not publicly commented on requests for a statement regarding the reports.