Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas

Reports circulated of several blasts and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This incident has led to accusations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for diplomatic intervention.

Caracas Condemns US of Military Action

Venezuela's incumbent regime has accused the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the South American nation. In an formal declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had hit the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"Our only objective of this aggression is to take control of our nation's key assets, notably its crude oil and resources," the government said.

Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to censure the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered countless of lives in jeopardy.

Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted

Locals spoke of feeling approximately several powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in several districts allegedly rushed into the streets outside.

"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," stated one local.

Smoke was reported pouring from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.

International Reaction

The president of neighboring Colombia, claimed on X that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, stated it would activate operational measures at its frontier with its neighbor.

Background

The reported strikes come after a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, there has been a significant naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.

The administration has stated "a state of emergency" and directed all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "denounce this foreign attack."

The White House and the Defense Department did not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.