Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas

Reports emerged of several blasts and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. The incident has sparked claims from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.

Caracas Accuses United States of Attack

The socialist administration has blamed the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump reportedly directed strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public declaration, the government stated that attacks had hit the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"The sole aim of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its crude oil and minerals," the government asserted.

Venezuelan officials urged the global community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that put numerous of lives at risk in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Hit

Locals described feeling roughly several explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in different areas allegedly hurried into the streets outside.

"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and planes in the area," said one witness.

Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.

International Condemnation

The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an urgent meeting of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate defense measures at its border with its neighbor.

Background

These reported strikes follow a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.

Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and directed all defense measures to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "reject this imperialist attack."

The White House and the Pentagon did not immediately addressed requests for comment regarding the allegations.