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

Witness testimonies emerged of multiple detonations and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. The event has prompted accusations from Venezuela's authorities and requests for diplomatic action.

Caracas Blames United States of Military Action

The authoritarian government has accused the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the South American state. In an official announcement, the government asserted that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"Our sole aim of this aggression is to take control of our nation's key assets, in particular its crude oil and minerals," the government said.

Venezuelan officials called on the international community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that placed numerous of lives at risk in peril.

Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Hit

Eyewitnesses reported experiencing approximately seven explosions around the middle of the night local time. Residents in several neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the open.

"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the distance," said one witness.

Black smoke was seen rising from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.

Global Condemnation

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

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

Context

These reported strikes are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant American military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships linked to illegal activities.

The government has declared "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defence measures to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this foreign aggression."

US authorities and the Defense Department did not promptly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the reports.