Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City

Reports surfaced of multiple explosions and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The incident has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.

Caracas Blames United States of Aggression

Venezuela's incumbent administration has condemned the United States of what it calls "imperial aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American country. In an official statement, the authorities stated that strikes had impacted the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"The only objective of this attack is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.

Caracas urged the world to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed millions of civilians in danger.

Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit

Residents spoke of experiencing roughly multiple explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in different areas reportedly ran into the streets outside.

"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the area," commented one witness.

Smoke was observed pouring from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.

International Response

The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an swift emergency session of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.

Background

The alleged attacks come after a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro administration. Since August, authorities reported a significant American military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships accused of illegal activities.

Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all defense measures to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this foreign act."

US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not publicly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the events.