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Accounts circulated of several explosions and the noise of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The situation has led to accusations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for international intervention.

Caracas Condemns United States of Aggression

The incumbent regime has accused the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly directed military strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal statement, the government asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"The only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its petroleum and resources," the statement said.

Venezuelan officials urged the global community to censure the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that placed numerous of lives at risk in peril.

Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted

Eyewitnesses reported feeling approximately multiple explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different districts allegedly hurried into the streets outside.

"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," stated one local.

Black smoke was observed rising from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.

Global Response

The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.

Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate security measures at its shared border with its neighbor.

Context

The alleged attacks are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defence plans to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "repudiate this external act."

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