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Witness testimonies emerged of several blasts and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for international scrutiny.

Caracas Blames Washington of Attack

The incumbent administration has accused the US of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the South American country. In an public statement, the government confirmed that strikes had impacted the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our only objective of this aggression is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its crude oil and minerals," the statement declared.

Venezuelan officials urged the international community to denounce the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that placed numerous of civilians in danger.

Reports of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted

Eyewitnesses reported experiencing roughly several explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in different areas reportedly rushed into the open.

"Everything shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," stated one resident.

Smoke was seen rising from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.

International Reaction

The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on X that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, said it would activate operational measures at its border with its neighbor.

Background

The alleged attacks follow a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial naval presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defence plans to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "repudiate this foreign act."

The White House and the Defense Department have not promptly addressed requests for a statement regarding the allegations.