🔗 Share this article Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City Accounts emerged of numerous blasts and the sound of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. This event has led to allegations from Venezuela's government and requests for international action. Caracas Blames Washington of Aggression The incumbent regime has blamed the Washington of what it calls "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump allegedly directed military strikes against the South American state. In an formal announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state. "Our sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its crude oil and resources," the government said. The government urged the international community to denounce the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed millions of lives in danger. Reports of Blasts and Defense Sites Hit Residents described hearing roughly several explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in several areas reportedly rushed into the open. "The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and aircraft in the area," said one witness. Black smoke was observed pouring from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is thought to reside. Global Condemnation The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council. The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate security protocols at its border with Venezuela. Preceding Events These reported strikes come after a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro administration. Since last summer, there has been a substantial American military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships accused of illegal activities. The administration has declared "a state of external threat" and directed all defense plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "repudiate this foreign aggression." The White House and the US Department of Defense did not promptly addressed requests for comment regarding the events.