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Reports emerged of multiple explosions and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked allegations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for international action.

Caracas Condemns US of Aggression

Venezuela's authoritarian regime has accused the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the South American country. In an official announcement, the government asserted that attacks had hit the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our sole aim of this attack is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.

The government urged the global community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered countless of lives in jeopardy.

Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted

Residents reported feeling roughly several explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in several districts allegedly rushed into the streets.

"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and jets in the distance," commented one resident.

Black smoke was reported pouring from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.

Regional Condemnation

The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

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

Background

These alleged strikes follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.

Venezuela's government has stated "a state of external threat" and directed all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this external aggression."

American officials and the US Department of Defense did not immediately commented on requests for clarification regarding the events.