🔗 Share this article Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple detonations and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This situation has led to accusations from the Venezuelan government and calls for global action. Venezuela Accuses United States of Aggression The incumbent administration has accused the United States of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump reportedly directed attacks against the South American country. In an public statement, the government stated that attacks had hit Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua. "Our primary goal of this attack is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its oil and mineral wealth," the government said. The government appealed to the world to censure the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered countless of civilians in jeopardy. Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted Residents reported hearing roughly seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in several districts reportedly ran into the open. "The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," commented one witness. Black smoke was observed rising from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is thought to have a residence. International Reaction The president of neighboring Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency session of the UN Security Council. Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational protocols at its shared border with Venezuela. Context The alleged strikes are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking. Venezuela's government has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "repudiate this external act." The White House and the Defense Department did not immediately addressed requests for clarification regarding the reports.