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

Witness testimonies circulated of multiple blasts and the noise of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. The event has prompted claims from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global intervention.

Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action

Venezuela's socialist government has blamed the United States of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public statement, the government asserted that strikes had targeted the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"The sole aim of this attack is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.

Venezuelan officials appealed to the world to denounce the strikes, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed countless of lives in jeopardy.

Reports of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted

Residents reported experiencing approximately seven explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in several districts reportedly rushed into the streets.

"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," said one witness.

Smoke was observed rising from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is believed to have a residence.

International Reaction

The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He requested an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would initiate defense measures at its border with its neighbor.

Preceding Events

The reported strikes are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, there has been a significant naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.

The administration has declared "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defense measures to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to protest and "reject this external act."

US authorities and the Pentagon did not promptly commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.