Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas

Reports surfaced of several detonations and the sound of low-flying jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This event has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.

Venezuela Accuses US of Military Action

The incumbent government has condemned the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the Latin American nation. In an public declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"Our primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its petroleum and mineral wealth," the government said.

The government urged the international community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that placed numerous of civilians in peril.

Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted

Locals spoke of feeling at least several explosions around the middle of the night local time. Residents in various districts allegedly ran into the streets outside.

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

Smoke was seen pouring from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.

International Condemnation

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He requested an immediate emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would activate operational measures at its border with its neighbor.

Context

The alleged strikes follow a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Since August, there has been a major naval deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships linked to illegal activities.

The government has declared "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this external attack."

American officials and the Defense Department have not immediately commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the events.