Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas

Witness testimonies emerged of numerous blasts and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. The event has led to allegations from Venezuela's government and calls for international action.

Caracas Blames Washington of Military Action

The incumbent administration has accused the United States of what it calls "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official statement, the government asserted that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"The sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its oil and resources," Venezuela asserted.

Caracas urged the world to condemn the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that placed countless of lives at risk in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted

Residents reported experiencing approximately seven explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in different areas reportedly hurried into the streets.

"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," stated one resident.

Smoke was observed rising from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.

Regional Response

The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on social media that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an swift meeting of the UN Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, stated it would activate defense measures at its border with Venezuela.

Context

These reported strikes are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, there has been a substantial US military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships suspected of narco-trafficking.

The government has declared "a state of emergency" and ordered all national defense measures to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "repudiate this external attack."

US authorities and the Pentagon have not publicly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.