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

Witness testimonies emerged of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked claims from Venezuela's leadership and calls for international scrutiny.

Caracas Blames Washington of Military Action

Venezuela's authoritarian government has blamed the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the South American nation. In an public declaration, the government confirmed that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"Our primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its crude oil and resources," Venezuela asserted.

Venezuelan officials appealed to the world to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed numerous of civilians in danger.

Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted

Residents described experiencing roughly multiple powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. People in various areas allegedly hurried into the open.

"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and planes in the area," said one witness.

Black smoke was seen rising from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is reported to have a residence.

Regional Reaction

The president of bordering Colombia, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational measures at its shared border with its neighbor.

Preceding Events

These reported strikes follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this foreign aggression."

The White House and the Defense Department have not promptly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.