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Accounts surfaced of numerous detonations and the roar of low-flying planes in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This incident has prompted claims from Venezuela's government and requests for diplomatic intervention.

Venezuela Accuses United States of Attack

The authoritarian government has accused the US of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the South American nation. In an formal announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had impacted the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The only objective of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its crude oil and resources," the government asserted.

Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international norms" that endangered millions of lives in jeopardy.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Hit

Locals reported experiencing approximately multiple explosions around the middle of the night local time. Residents in different neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets outside.

"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the sky," stated one witness.

Black smoke was seen rising from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.

International Response

The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on social media that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate defense plans at its frontier with Venezuela.

Preceding Events

These reported strikes are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major American military presence off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.

The administration has declared "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "reject this external act."

American officials and the Pentagon did not immediately commented on inquiries for comment regarding the reports.