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

Accounts circulated of numerous detonations and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. This event has sparked accusations from Venezuela's government and requests for international intervention.

Caracas Blames United States of Aggression

Venezuela's authoritarian regime has blamed the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the South American nation. In an public statement, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The only objective of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, in particular its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela declared.

Caracas appealed to the world to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that put millions of lives in jeopardy.

Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Hit

Residents spoke of hearing approximately several detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in different areas reportedly ran into the streets.

"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the distance," stated one witness.

Smoke was reported rising from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.

Global Response

The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would activate operational plans at its frontier with Venezuela.

Preceding Events

The alleged attacks are preceded by a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial naval deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.

The administration has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defence protocols to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "repudiate this external attack."

American officials and the US Department of Defense have not publicly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the events.