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

Accounts circulated of multiple detonations and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The situation has led to claims from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global intervention.

Caracas Blames US of Military Action

The authoritarian government has condemned the US of committing "imperial aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump reportedly directed attacks against the South American state. In an official declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"The sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its crude oil and minerals," the statement said.

Caracas urged the international community to denounce the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered numerous of civilians in jeopardy.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Hit

Locals reported hearing approximately several detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in various neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the streets outside.

"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and aircraft in the sky," commented one local.

Black smoke was reported billowing from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is reported to reside.

International Condemnation

The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate meeting of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would activate defense measures at its shared border with its neighbor.

Preceding Events

These reported strikes come after a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, there has been a major naval buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's government has announced "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this external aggression."

American officials and the Pentagon did not promptly commented on requests for a statement regarding the reports.