Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas

Reports circulated of several detonations and the sound of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for global action.

Caracas Blames United States of Attack

The socialist regime has accused the US of committing "foreign aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American state. In an public announcement, the government asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The primary goal of this aggression is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and mineral wealth," the statement said.

The government appealed to the global community to denounce the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered millions of lives in peril.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Hit

Locals described hearing approximately several detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in different districts allegedly hurried into the open.

"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," said one local.

Smoke was reported billowing from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.

Regional Condemnation

The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.

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

Background

These reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defense measures to be activated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this imperialist act."

The White House and the Pentagon have not immediately addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.