🔗 Share this article Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple blasts and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This situation has prompted claims from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global intervention. Venezuela Condemns Washington of Attack The authoritarian government has blamed the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the South American nation. In an public statement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had hit Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua. "Our sole aim of this attack is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, notably its petroleum and minerals," the statement said. The government called on the world to condemn the strikes, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed countless of lives at risk in danger. Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted Residents spoke of hearing at least multiple detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in various areas reportedly ran into the streets outside. "The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," stated one witness. Smoke was seen billowing from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence. Global Reaction The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate defense protocols at its frontier with Venezuela. Context These reported attacks come after a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Maduro government. Since August, authorities reported a significant US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking. The administration has stated "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this external attack." American officials and the Defense Department have not promptly commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.