🔗 Share this article Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City Accounts circulated of several blasts and the roar of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. This incident has prompted claims from the Venezuelan government and demands for diplomatic scrutiny. Caracas Condemns Washington of Military Action The authoritarian administration has blamed the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly directed military strikes against the Latin American state. In an official statement, the government stated that attacks had targeted the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state. "Our sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its crude oil and resources," Venezuela said. The government urged the global community to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered numerous of lives in jeopardy. Reports of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted Eyewitnesses reported feeling approximately seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in several areas allegedly ran into the open. "The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," said one resident. Black smoke was seen rising from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside. International Response The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would activate security measures at its frontier with Venezuela. Preceding Events The reported attacks are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant American military presence off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships suspected of illegal activities. The administration has declared "a state of emergency" and directed all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this external act." US authorities and the Pentagon have not publicly commented on requests for comment regarding the events.