Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas

Accounts emerged of several explosions and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The event has led to allegations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.

Venezuela Condemns United States of Aggression

The incumbent regime has accused the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal statement, the government asserted that strikes had targeted the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"The primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, especially its oil and resources," Venezuela declared.

Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that put numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.

Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted

Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing roughly several detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. People in various areas allegedly rushed into the streets.

"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," stated one witness.

Smoke was seen billowing from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is thought to live.

Regional Reaction

The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would initiate defense plans at its shared border with Venezuela.

Preceding Events

The reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, there has been a significant US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.

The administration has declared "a state of emergency" and commanded all defense protocols to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this external act."

The White House and the Defense Department did not promptly commented on requests for comment regarding the allegations.