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

Witness testimonies circulated of several blasts and the roar of low-flying planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The event has sparked allegations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for diplomatic intervention.

Caracas Condemns US of Aggression

Venezuela's authoritarian administration has accused the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly directed attacks against the South American nation. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had targeted the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The primary goal of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement said.

Caracas called on the international community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered countless of lives in jeopardy.

Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Hit

Locals described hearing approximately multiple explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in several areas reportedly hurried into the streets.

"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard explosions and planes in the sky," said one local.

Plumes of smoke was reported rising from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.

Regional Response

The president of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an swift meeting of the UN Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would activate security protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.

Context

These reported attacks are preceded by a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, there has been a significant US military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on boats suspected of illegal activities.

The administration has declared "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all defense protocols to be activated. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist attack."

The White House and the Pentagon have not publicly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.