Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City

Accounts surfaced of several blasts and the roar of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. The event has prompted claims from Venezuela's government and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.

Venezuela Condemns United States of Aggression

Venezuela's socialist government has blamed the US of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the Latin American country. In an public statement, the government asserted that attacks had hit the capital and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"Our sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, especially its crude oil and resources," the government asserted.

The government called on the world to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that put countless of civilians in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted

Residents described experiencing approximately seven detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in several neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets.

"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the distance," said one local.

Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.

International Condemnation

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He requested an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate defense measures at its border with its neighbor.

Background

The reported attacks come after a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, there has been a significant US military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.

Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this foreign attack."

American officials and the Defense Department did not publicly commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the events.