Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City

Witness testimonies surfaced of numerous detonations and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This event has led to accusations from Venezuela's government and requests for diplomatic action.

Venezuela Blames United States of Military Action

The socialist government has accused the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal announcement, the authorities asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"Our sole aim of this attack is to seize control of our nation's key assets, especially its oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.

The government urged the international community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered countless of civilians in danger.

Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Hit

Residents spoke of hearing at least several detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in different neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the open.

"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the distance," stated one witness.

Black smoke was reported rising from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence.

Global Response

The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Currently they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He requested an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.

Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.

Background

These alleged attacks follow a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Maduro government. Since last summer, there has been a major naval buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on boats suspected of illegal activities.

Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and directed all defense measures to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to protest and "repudiate this external act."

American officials and the Pentagon did not promptly responded to requests for clarification regarding the allegations.