Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas

Reports circulated of numerous detonations and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The incident has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for international scrutiny.

Venezuela Condemns United States of Attack

The authoritarian government has blamed the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly directed military strikes against the Latin American state. In an official announcement, the government stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our primary goal of this aggression is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," the government asserted.

Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to censure the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered countless of civilians in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted

Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing roughly several explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in several neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the open.

"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the distance," commented one resident.

Smoke was reported pouring from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.

Global Condemnation

The president of neighboring Colombia, claimed on X that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He requested an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.

Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate defense plans at its shared border with Venezuela.

Context

The alleged attacks are preceded by a extended military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, there has been a major American military deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defence measures to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "repudiate this imperialist act."

American officials and the US Department of Defense did not publicly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.