Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City

Accounts circulated of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This event has sparked accusations from Venezuela's government and demands for global intervention.

Venezuela Blames United States of Attack

Venezuela's socialist regime has accused the US of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Trump allegedly directed military strikes against the South American country. In an formal declaration, the government stated that strikes had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our primary goal of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its petroleum and minerals," the government said.

Venezuelan officials called on the world to condemn the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered countless of civilians in jeopardy.

Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Hit

Eyewitnesses reported hearing roughly multiple explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in various neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the streets outside.

"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the area," said one witness.

Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.

Global Condemnation

The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He requested an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate defense protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.

Background

These alleged strikes come after a extended military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, there has been a major American military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on ships suspected of narco-trafficking.

The administration has stated "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this external attack."

US authorities and the Pentagon have not immediately addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.