🔗 Share this article Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City Witness testimonies circulated of numerous detonations and the roar of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The situation has prompted accusations from Venezuela's authorities and requests for diplomatic intervention. Caracas Accuses Washington of Military Action Venezuela's socialist administration has condemned the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an public statement, the government confirmed that attacks had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua. "The only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," the statement asserted. The government appealed to the international community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international norms" that put countless of civilians in danger. Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit Locals described feeling at least seven explosions around 2 a.m. local time. People in different districts allegedly hurried into the streets outside. "Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," commented one witness. Black smoke was seen billowing from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to live. Global Condemnation The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an immediate emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate operational protocols at its frontier with its neighbor. Context These alleged attacks come after a months-long military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, authorities reported a significant American military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships suspected of narco-trafficking. The government has stated "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this external act." US authorities and the Pentagon have not publicly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the events.