Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas

Reports emerged of several blasts and the roar of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The event has sparked claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for diplomatic action.

Caracas Accuses US of Military Action

Venezuela's incumbent administration has condemned the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Trump allegedly directed military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official announcement, the government stated that attacks had impacted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"The primary goal of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its petroleum and minerals," the government asserted.

Caracas urged the international community to censure the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that put numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit

Eyewitnesses described feeling at least multiple detonations around 2:00 AM local time. People in various areas reportedly rushed into the streets outside.

"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We heard explosions and jets in the sky," stated one witness.

Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.

Regional Reaction

The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.

Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate defense protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.

Preceding Events

The reported attacks come after a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro regime. Since August, there has been a substantial naval deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.

The administration has announced "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this foreign aggression."

US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not promptly addressed requests for comment regarding the reports.