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Accounts surfaced of multiple explosions and the noise of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The incident has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan government and demands for diplomatic intervention.

Caracas Accuses Washington of Military Action

Venezuela's authoritarian administration has condemned the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal announcement, the authorities asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The primary goal of these strikes is to take control of our nation's key assets, especially its crude oil and resources," the statement declared.

The government called on the international community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered countless of lives in jeopardy.

Accounts of Blasts and Military Sites Targeted

Residents spoke of feeling approximately seven explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. People in several districts allegedly hurried into the streets.

"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," said one witness.

Black smoke was reported pouring from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.

Regional Condemnation

The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.

Background

The alleged attacks follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant American military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats accused of illegal activities.

Venezuela's government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "reject this external act."

The White House and the Pentagon have not publicly commented on requests for a statement regarding the reports.