🔗 Share this article Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas Accounts circulated of numerous explosions and the roar of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. This event has sparked accusations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for global action. Venezuela Blames Washington of Military Action The incumbent administration has accused the US of what it calls "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the Latin American state. In an public announcement, the authorities asserted that strikes had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua. "Our only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and resources," the statement said. The government called on the global community to censure the actions, which it described a "flagrant violation of global law" that put millions of civilians in peril. Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted Eyewitnesses reported hearing at least seven explosions around the middle of the night local time. People in various neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets. "Everything shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and planes in the area," said one witness. Plumes of smoke was seen rising from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live. Regional Condemnation The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council. Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate security protocols at its frontier with Venezuela. Background These reported strikes come after a extended military buildup by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on boats suspected of narco-trafficking. Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of emergency" and commanded all defense protocols to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to protest and "denounce this imperialist act." The White House and the US Department of Defense have not promptly commented on requests for clarification regarding the events.