Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City

Witness testimonies emerged of multiple blasts and the sound of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This incident has led to claims from Venezuela's authorities and calls for international intervention.

Caracas Blames Washington of Attack

Venezuela's incumbent administration has condemned the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Trump reportedly directed attacks against the South American country. In an public announcement, the government stated that attacks had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"The sole aim of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its petroleum and minerals," the statement said.

The government urged the world to denounce the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed numerous of lives in danger.

Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted

Locals described hearing roughly several explosions around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in different districts allegedly hurried into the open.

"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We heard blasts and aircraft in the area," commented one local.

Plumes of smoke was reported rising from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.

International Reaction

The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on X that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He called for an urgent emergency session of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate operational plans at its shared border with Venezuela.

Preceding Events

These reported strikes are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant US military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.

The government has announced "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this foreign attack."

The White House and the Pentagon did not immediately commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.