Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City

Accounts surfaced of multiple explosions and the roar of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This situation has led to accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for international intervention.

Caracas Accuses US of Military Action

The incumbent government has blamed the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public announcement, the government stated that attacks had hit the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The primary goal of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its oil and mineral wealth," the statement declared.

Caracas called on the world to denounce the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered numerous of civilians in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted

Locals spoke of experiencing approximately multiple explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in various neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the open.

"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," said one local.

Black smoke was seen billowing from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.

International Response

The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He requested an swift meeting of the UN Security Council.

Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate defense plans at its border with Venezuela.

Background

These reported attacks come after a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Since August, authorities reported a substantial US military presence off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of external threat" and ordered all defense plans to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "repudiate this imperialist attack."

American officials and the Defense Department did not publicly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the events.