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Accounts emerged of multiple explosions and the sound of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This situation has sparked claims from Venezuela's authorities and requests for diplomatic intervention.

Caracas Condemns United States of Military Action

The incumbent government has accused the United States of an act of "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the South American nation. In an public statement, the government asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"The primary goal of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and resources," the statement said.

Caracas called on the global community to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that put countless of civilians in jeopardy.

Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted

Eyewitnesses spoke of feeling approximately seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in different districts reportedly hurried into the streets.

"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," stated one witness.

Black smoke was reported rising from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is believed to reside.

International Response

The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He called for an swift meeting of the UN Security Council.

Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would activate defense measures at its border with Venezuela.

Background

These reported strikes are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, there has been a major US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's government has announced "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defense plans to be activated. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this imperialist act."

American officials and the US Department of Defense have not immediately commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.