🔗 Share this article Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City Witness testimonies circulated of multiple detonations and the sound of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. The situation has sparked claims from Venezuela's leadership and requests for diplomatic scrutiny. Venezuela Condemns US of Aggression The incumbent government has blamed the US of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump reportedly directed strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had targeted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state. "Our only objective of this attack is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and resources," Venezuela asserted. Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to censure the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that placed millions of lives at risk in jeopardy. Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted Residents described experiencing roughly multiple detonations around the middle of the night local time. Residents in several neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets outside. "The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the distance," said one resident. Smoke was seen pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence. Regional Response The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He requested an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council. Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would initiate security measures at its shared border with its neighbor. Background The reported attacks are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial naval buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on boats accused of illegal activities. The government has announced "a state of external threat" and directed all defense measures to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "denounce this external attack." The White House and the Pentagon have not immediately responded to requests for clarification regarding the events.