Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City

Reports circulated of numerous blasts and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The event has prompted claims from the Venezuelan government and calls for global action.

Venezuela Blames US of Military Action

Venezuela's authoritarian administration has condemned the Washington of what it calls "imperial aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the Latin American state. In an formal announcement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"The sole aim of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its oil and minerals," the statement asserted.

The government urged the world to denounce the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered countless of lives at risk in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted

Residents reported hearing approximately several explosions around the middle of the night local time. People in several neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets outside.

"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," stated one resident.

Black smoke was reported rising from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Maduro is reported to live.

Global Reaction

The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate defense protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.

Background

The reported strikes follow a extended military buildup by the United States against the Maduro government. Since last summer, authorities reported a major US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of external threat" and ordered all defense protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its citizens to protest and "reject this external attack."

American officials and the US Department of Defense have not publicly responded to requests for a statement regarding the allegations.