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Reports circulated of several explosions and the sound of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The incident has prompted claims from Venezuela's leadership and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.

Caracas Accuses United States of Military Action

Venezuela's authoritarian regime has accused the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Trump supposedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American state. In an public announcement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The primary goal of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its petroleum and resources," Venezuela asserted.

The government urged the world to censure the actions, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered millions of lives in danger.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted

Eyewitnesses reported experiencing approximately multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in various districts allegedly rushed into the streets.

"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard blasts and aircraft in the area," stated one resident.

Black smoke was seen rising from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.

Global Condemnation

The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the UN Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate operational plans at its border with Venezuela.

Context

The reported strikes come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, there has been a significant American military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.

The administration has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all defense protocols to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "reject this foreign attack."

The White House and the Pentagon did not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the events.