🔗 Share this article Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City Witness testimonies circulated of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This incident has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for international scrutiny. Caracas Accuses United States of Military Action The socialist administration has condemned the US of an act of "foreign aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed strikes against the South American state. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had targeted the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state. "Our only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its petroleum and resources," the statement said. Venezuelan officials called on the international community to censure the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered countless of civilians in danger. Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Hit Eyewitnesses described feeling at least several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in different districts reportedly hurried into the streets outside. "The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and planes in the distance," stated one witness. Black smoke was observed rising from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is thought to have a residence. Global Response The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate security measures at its border with Venezuela. Background These alleged strikes come after a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro administration. Since August, authorities reported a significant American military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking. Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defence measures to be activated. It has also urged its supporters to mobilize and "reject this foreign aggression." US authorities and the Defense Department have not publicly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.