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Reports circulated of numerous explosions and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The incident has prompted claims from the Venezuelan government and demands for international scrutiny.

Caracas Condemns Washington of Military Action

The incumbent government has blamed the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an public declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"Our primary goal of these strikes is to take control of our nation's natural resources, notably its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.

Caracas urged the global community to censure the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that put millions of lives at risk in peril.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Hit

Locals described feeling roughly seven detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in different neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets outside.

"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and planes in the sky," stated one local.

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

Regional Condemnation

The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate operational plans at its shared border with Venezuela.

Background

These alleged strikes follow a extended military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial naval presence off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on boats linked to illegal activities.

The administration has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "denounce this imperialist aggression."

US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not publicly addressed requests for clarification regarding the allegations.