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Witness testimonies emerged of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This event has led to accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for diplomatic action.

Caracas Accuses United States of Aggression

The socialist government has blamed the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American country. In an official statement, the government confirmed that strikes had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and resources," the government asserted.

Venezuelan officials called on the global community to censure the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered numerous of civilians in jeopardy.

Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit

Locals reported feeling roughly multiple explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. People in several districts reportedly hurried into the streets.

"Everything shook. This is frightening. We heard explosions and planes in the sky," stated one witness.

Black smoke was reported rising from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.

International Reaction

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He requested an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would activate security protocols at its border with Venezuela.

Background

The reported strikes follow a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this external act."

The White House and the US Department of Defense did not immediately commented on inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.