🔗 Share this article Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City Reports surfaced of multiple explosions and the roar of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The event has prompted accusations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for diplomatic scrutiny. Venezuela Condemns United States of Military Action The incumbent administration has condemned the United States of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump supposedly directed strikes against the South American nation. In an formal announcement, the authorities asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua. "The primary goal of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its oil and mineral wealth," the statement asserted. Caracas called on the global community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered numerous of civilians in peril. Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted Locals spoke of feeling at least several detonations around the middle of the night local time. Residents in different districts reportedly rushed into the open. "The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the distance," said one resident. Smoke was reported rising from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence. Regional Response The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council. Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would activate defense protocols at its border with its neighbor. Preceding Events The reported strikes come after a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, there has been a substantial US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking. The administration has declared "a state of emergency" and directed all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this imperialist aggression." The White House and the US Department of Defense did not promptly addressed requests for clarification regarding the reports.