Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas

Witness testimonies emerged of several blasts and the roar of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. The incident has led to allegations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global scrutiny.

Venezuela Accuses Washington of Attack

Venezuela's authoritarian regime has blamed the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump supposedly ordered strikes against the South American state. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that strikes had hit the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our sole aim of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its oil and minerals," the government declared.

Caracas urged the international community to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that placed countless of lives in jeopardy.

Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted

Residents spoke of hearing roughly several detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in various neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the streets.

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

Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is thought to have a residence.

Global Response

The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate security plans at its border with its neighbor.

Background

These alleged strikes come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.

The administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all defense measures to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to mobilize and "denounce this external aggression."

US authorities and the Pentagon did not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.