Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City

Accounts emerged of multiple detonations and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The situation has prompted claims from the Venezuelan government and demands for international intervention.

Caracas Blames United States of Attack

Venezuela's incumbent administration has accused the Washington of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the South American nation. In an official announcement, the authorities asserted that attacks had hit the capital and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"Our primary goal of this attack is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.

Caracas appealed to the global community to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international norms" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in danger.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Hit

Locals spoke of feeling roughly several explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in different districts reportedly hurried into the open.

"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the sky," stated one local.

Smoke was observed billowing from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is believed to live.

International Reaction

The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.

Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate defense plans at its shared border with its neighbor.

Background

These reported strikes come after a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant US military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on boats linked to illegal activities.

The government has declared "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "denounce this imperialist attack."

The White House and the US Department of Defense did not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the events.