š Share this article Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City Witness testimonies emerged of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This situation has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and calls for international action. Venezuela Condemns Washington of Attack The incumbent regime has accused the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Trump reportedly directed strikes against the South American nation. In an public announcement, the authorities asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua. "Our primary goal of these strikes is to take control of our nation's key assets, especially its oil and mineral wealth," the government said. Venezuelan officials called on the world to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered millions of lives in danger. Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted Residents reported hearing approximately several detonations around 2 a.m. local time. People in different areas allegedly hurried into the streets outside. "The earth trembled. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," said one witness. Smoke was reported rising from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is thought to have a residence. Global Reaction The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council. The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would activate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor. Background These reported strikes follow a months-long military buildup by the US against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, there has been a significant US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships accused of illegal activities. The government has declared "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defence protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to protest and "repudiate this external aggression." American officials and the Pentagon did not publicly addressed requests for a statement regarding the reports.