Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas

Reports circulated of several blasts and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The situation has led to accusations from the Venezuelan government and requests for international intervention.

Venezuela Condemns US of Attack

The socialist government has condemned the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed attacks against the South American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"The primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its crude oil and mineral wealth," the statement declared.

The government urged the world to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that put countless of lives at risk in danger.

Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Targeted

Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing at least seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in several neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets.

"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and jets in the area," said one local.

Black smoke was reported billowing from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.

Regional Condemnation

The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would initiate security protocols at its border with Venezuela.

Background

The alleged strikes follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro administration. Since August, there has been a substantial naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defence protocols to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "reject this external aggression."

US authorities and the Defense Department did not immediately addressed requests for comment regarding the reports.