Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City

Witness testimonies surfaced of numerous explosions and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This situation has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for global scrutiny.

Caracas Blames United States of Aggression

Venezuela's incumbent regime has accused the Washington of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed strikes against the South American nation. In an public declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had hit the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"Our primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's key assets, notably its oil and resources," the statement asserted.

Caracas called on the international community to denounce the actions, which it termed a "blatant breach of international norms" that put millions of civilians in danger.

Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted

Locals reported hearing approximately several explosions around the middle of the night local time. People in different districts allegedly rushed into the streets outside.

"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the distance," commented one resident.

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

Global Condemnation

The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate defense plans at its shared border with its neighbor.

Background

The alleged attacks are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro government. Since last summer, authorities reported a major US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.

Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defence protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "repudiate this foreign aggression."

American officials and the US Department of Defense have not immediately responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.