🔗 Share this article Blasts and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City Accounts circulated of numerous detonations and the noise of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The incident has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for global scrutiny. Venezuela Accuses US of Attack The incumbent administration has accused the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the South American nation. In an official statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua. "The only objective of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its oil and resources," Venezuela asserted. Caracas appealed to the world to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed millions of lives in danger. Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Hit Residents reported experiencing roughly several explosions around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in various neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the open. "The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the sky," stated one resident. Black smoke was seen pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence. International Response The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an immediate emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate operational plans at its border with Venezuela. Context These reported strikes come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant naval buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats accused of illegal activities. The administration has announced "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "reject this external attack." American officials and the Defense Department have not publicly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.