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Witness testimonies circulated of several blasts and the roar of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The incident has led to allegations from Venezuela's government and demands for international scrutiny.

Caracas Condemns Washington of Military Action

Venezuela's incumbent government has accused the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump supposedly ordered strikes against the South American state. In an formal announcement, the authorities asserted that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its oil and resources," Venezuela asserted.

Caracas urged the global community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that placed millions of civilians in peril.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Hit

Locals reported hearing approximately several powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in several districts allegedly ran into the streets outside.

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

Black smoke was seen pouring from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.

International Reaction

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate defense protocols at its border with its neighbor.

Background

These alleged strikes come after a extended campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial US military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.

The administration has stated "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this imperialist attack."

The White House and the Defense Department have not immediately commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the events.