Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas

Witness testimonies surfaced of several blasts and the roar of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. The event has led to allegations from the Venezuelan government and calls for global scrutiny.

Venezuela Accuses Washington of Attack

Venezuela's authoritarian administration has accused the Washington of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the South American country. In an formal declaration, the government confirmed that attacks had hit the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its oil and minerals," the government asserted.

Venezuelan officials urged the global community to censure the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that put millions of civilians in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit

Locals reported hearing at least several powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. People in several areas reportedly ran into the open.

"Everything shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and planes in the sky," said one resident.

Black smoke was reported pouring from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.

Global Response

The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "Right now they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would activate security measures at its border with its neighbor.

Preceding Events

The reported strikes come after a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this foreign act."

American officials and the US Department of Defense did not immediately addressed inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.