Blasts and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas

Accounts circulated of numerous blasts and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The incident has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan government and demands for diplomatic intervention.

Caracas Blames United States of Attack

Venezuela's authoritarian regime has accused the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the South American state. In an formal announcement, the government asserted that attacks had targeted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"Our primary goal of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," the government said.

Venezuelan officials called on the global community to condemn the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that put millions of lives at risk in danger.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Hit

Eyewitnesses reported feeling roughly multiple explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in various neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets.

"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and planes in the sky," said one local.

Black smoke was reported rising from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.

Global Reaction

The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Currently they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would activate security protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.

Background

These reported strikes are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this external act."

The White House and the Pentagon did not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the events.