Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas

Accounts emerged of multiple explosions and the roar of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This incident has sparked claims from the Venezuelan government and calls for international action.

Caracas Blames US of Attack

Venezuela's socialist administration has blamed the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the Latin American state. In an public announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had impacted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"The only objective of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its oil and minerals," the statement asserted.

Caracas appealed to the world to condemn the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that placed countless of lives in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit

Residents reported feeling approximately several explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in several neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the open.

"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and jets in the area," commented one resident.

Smoke was seen billowing from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.

Regional Response

The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on social media that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.

Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate security protocols at its border with its neighbor.

Background

These alleged strikes are preceded by a extended military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships accused of illegal activities.

The administration has declared "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "repudiate this external attack."

US authorities and the Defense Department did not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.