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

Reports circulated of numerous detonations and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This event has led to claims from the Venezuelan government and calls for global action.

Venezuela Blames Washington of Aggression

The incumbent government has blamed the Washington of an act of "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Trump supposedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American state. In an public announcement, the government stated that attacks had hit the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"Our sole aim of this attack is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement said.

Caracas appealed to the world to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered millions of lives in jeopardy.

Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Targeted

Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing roughly seven detonations around 2:00 AM local time. People in various neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets.

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

Smoke was seen billowing from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is thought to reside.

Regional Condemnation

The president of neighboring Colombia, claimed on X that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He requested an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.

Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would initiate defense measures at its border with Venezuela.

Preceding Events

These alleged strikes come after a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, there has been a significant American military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.

Venezuela's government has declared "a state of emergency" and directed all defense plans to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this foreign attack."

American officials and the Pentagon have not immediately addressed inquiries for comment regarding the events.