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Witness testimonies circulated of multiple explosions and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This incident has led to accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for global action.

Venezuela Accuses US of Attack

The authoritarian administration has blamed the Washington of what it calls "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the Latin American country. In an public declaration, the authorities stated that strikes had targeted the capital and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The primary goal of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.

The government called on the global community to condemn the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that put countless of civilians in danger.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit

Locals reported experiencing at least several detonations around the middle of the night local time. People in various districts allegedly hurried into the streets outside.

"Everything shook. It was horrible. We heard blasts and planes in the distance," said one local.

Plumes of smoke was observed rising from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.

International Condemnation

The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would activate security protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.

Background

The reported strikes follow a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Since August, there has been a substantial naval deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.

The government has announced "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all defense protocols to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "reject this imperialist act."

American officials and the Pentagon have not publicly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the events.