Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City

Witness testimonies circulated of multiple blasts and the noise of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. The situation has sparked claims from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for diplomatic intervention.

Venezuela Condemns Washington of Attack

Venezuela's authoritarian government has condemned the United States of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed attacks against the Latin American nation. In an formal announcement, the authorities asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our only objective of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.

Caracas called on the world to condemn the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered countless of civilians in jeopardy.

Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted

Residents described feeling approximately several detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in various areas reportedly hurried into the streets outside.

"Everything shook. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the distance," stated one witness.

Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence.

International Response

The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate security measures at its shared border with Venezuela.

Background

These alleged attacks are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major naval buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.

The administration has announced "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defence protocols to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this external attack."

American officials and the Defense Department have not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.