🔗 Share this article Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas Reports circulated of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. This situation has prompted accusations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for international action. Venezuela Blames United States of Attack The authoritarian regime has blamed the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the South American state. In an public statement, the government confirmed that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua. "The only objective of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its oil and resources," the government asserted. Venezuelan officials urged the global community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy. Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted Locals spoke of feeling at least seven explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in different neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets outside. "The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," commented one local. Black smoke was reported pouring from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence. Regional Reaction The president of bordering Colombia, stated on social media that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the UN Security Council. Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would initiate security protocols at its shared border with its neighbor. Background The reported strikes follow a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, there has been a major US military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking. The government has declared "a state of emergency" and commanded all national defence plans to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this foreign aggression." US authorities and the Defense Department have not immediately commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.