🔗 Share this article Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City Reports surfaced of several blasts and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for global action. Venezuela Accuses US of Attack The incumbent administration has blamed the United States of an act of "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the Latin American country. In an public announcement, the government stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua. "Our only objective of this aggression is to take control of our nation's key assets, notably its oil and minerals," the statement declared. The government urged the world to condemn the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered countless of lives at risk in peril. Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Hit Eyewitnesses described feeling approximately seven detonations around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in various districts allegedly ran into the streets. "The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the distance," said one local. Black smoke was reported pouring from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live. Regional Condemnation The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council. The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate security protocols at its border with its neighbor. Preceding Events The alleged attacks follow a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats linked to illegal activities. Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of external threat" and directed all defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "reject this imperialist act." American officials and the US Department of Defense did not promptly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.