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

Accounts surfaced of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The incident has sparked accusations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for diplomatic action.

Caracas Blames United States of Attack

The incumbent regime has condemned the US of an act of "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an official announcement, the government asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our sole aim of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its oil and resources," Venezuela said.

Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to condemn the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed millions of lives in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit

Locals spoke of hearing roughly multiple explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in various neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets.

"Everything shook. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," commented one resident.

Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.

International Reaction

The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an urgent meeting of the Security Council.

Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would activate security plans at its border with its neighbor.

Background

The reported attacks are preceded by a extended military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, there has been a major naval buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "reject this foreign aggression."

American officials and the Defense Department have not promptly commented on requests for clarification regarding the reports.