🔗 Share this article Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas Witness testimonies circulated of multiple detonations and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The incident has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for global action. Caracas Condemns US of Aggression The incumbent government has condemned the Washington of what it calls "imperial aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the South American state. In an public statement, the authorities stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state. "The sole aim of this attack is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," the statement said. Caracas called on the world to censure the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in jeopardy. Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted Residents reported feeling roughly several detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in various districts reportedly ran into the streets. "The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," said one witness. Smoke was seen rising from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is thought to have a residence. Regional Condemnation The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He requested an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council. Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational plans at its border with its neighbor. Context The alleged strikes follow a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, there has been a significant American military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats suspected of narco-trafficking. Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "reject this foreign aggression." The White House and the Defense Department have not publicly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.