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Reports surfaced of several blasts and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. The incident has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for global scrutiny.

Caracas Accuses Washington of Aggression

Venezuela's socialist regime has blamed the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly ordered military strikes against the South American nation. In an formal statement, the government confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"The sole aim of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its crude oil and resources," the statement declared.

The government appealed to the global community to censure the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that put numerous of lives in danger.

Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit

Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing approximately multiple explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in various areas reportedly hurried into the open.

"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and planes in the distance," stated one local.

Black smoke was reported pouring from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.

Regional Condemnation

The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would activate defense protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.

Background

The reported strikes come after a months-long military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, there has been a significant naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.

Venezuela's government has declared "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "repudiate this foreign aggression."

American officials and the US Department of Defense have not publicly commented on requests for a statement regarding the allegations.