Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City

Accounts emerged of numerous detonations and the sound of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for international scrutiny.

Caracas Accuses United States of Aggression

Venezuela's socialist administration has accused the US of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an public declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"The sole aim of this aggression is to take control of our nation's key assets, in particular its oil and resources," Venezuela declared.

Venezuelan officials called on the global community to censure the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered millions of civilians in danger.

Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Hit

Residents described feeling roughly several detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in several areas reportedly rushed into the streets.

"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and planes in the distance," commented one resident.

Plumes of smoke was observed billowing from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is thought to live.

Regional Reaction

The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.

Preceding Events

The alleged attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of emergency" and ordered all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "repudiate this external attack."

The White House and the Defense Department did not immediately addressed inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.