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

Reports circulated of several explosions and the noise of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. This event has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic intervention.

Caracas Accuses United States of Military Action

The incumbent government has condemned the Washington of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American country. In an official declaration, the government confirmed that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"The primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's key assets, in particular its oil and minerals," the government said.

Caracas urged the global community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that put millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted

Eyewitnesses reported feeling at least several explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in various areas reportedly ran into the streets outside.

"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," commented one local.

Smoke was reported rising from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Maduro is thought to reside.

International Reaction

The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would activate operational plans at its border with Venezuela.

Context

The reported attacks come after a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.

Venezuela's government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this imperialist act."

US authorities and the Pentagon have not promptly addressed requests for a statement regarding the events.