Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas

Accounts circulated of multiple blasts and the roar of low-flying planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This situation has led to accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for international scrutiny.

Venezuela Accuses Washington of Aggression

The socialist regime has blamed the US of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the South American country. In an formal statement, the authorities stated that attacks had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The only objective of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, in particular its crude oil and minerals," the statement said.

The government appealed to the international community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered countless of lives at risk in danger.

Reports of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted

Locals reported experiencing at least seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in various neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets.

"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," said one witness.

Plumes of smoke was reported rising from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is believed to live.

International Response

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would activate operational protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.

Context

The reported strikes follow a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro government. Since last summer, there has been a substantial US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels linked to illegal activities.

The administration has declared "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "reject this external act."

US authorities and the Pentagon did not publicly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.