🔗 Share this article Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City Reports surfaced of numerous blasts and the noise of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The event has prompted accusations from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic scrutiny. Venezuela Blames Washington of Aggression The incumbent regime has condemned the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the South American country. In an public announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua. "The only objective of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its petroleum and resources," Venezuela asserted. The government appealed to the global community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that put millions of lives in danger. Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit Locals spoke of feeling at least multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different districts reportedly rushed into the streets outside. "The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," commented one local. Smoke was reported rising from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence. Global Condemnation The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He called for an immediate meeting of the Security Council. The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate security measures at its frontier with its neighbor. Context The alleged attacks follow a months-long military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, authorities reported a major US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on vessels accused of illegal activities. The government has announced "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defence protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this external aggression." US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not publicly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.