Venezuela accuses US of ‘military aggression’ as explosions rock Caracas

Caracas: The Venezuelan government has accused the United States of launching a "military aggression" against civilian and military targets after a series of powerful explosions rocked the capital, Caracas, and surrounding states in the early hours of Saturday. Loud noises and low-flying aircraft were reported across the city, with smoke rising from key military installations, including the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base, where President Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.

In an urgent statement, the Venezuelan government confirmed attacks in Caracas as well as the states of Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua. Officials urged citizens to "mobilise to defeat this imperialist aggression," alleging that Washington risks plunging Latin America into chaos in a bid to seize control of the nation's strategic oil and mineral resources. Colombian President Gustavo Petro echoed these claims on social media, stating, "Right now they are bombing Caracas... with missiles," and called for an emergency session of the UN Security Council.

While the White House and Pentagon have not yet officially commented, US media reports indicate that President Donald Trump ordered the strikes. This escalation follows a five-month pressure campaign by the Trump administration, which has included a significant military buildup off Venezuela’s coast, expanded sanctions, and a naval blockade aimed at tightening the economic chokehold on the Maduro regime. Witnesses in Caracas described the terror on the ground; "The whole ground shook. This is horrible," said 21-year-old resident Carmen Hidalgo.