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Witness testimonies emerged of numerous explosions and the sound of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This event has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.

Venezuela Accuses United States of Military Action

The authoritarian administration has blamed the US of an act of "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly directed military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal statement, the government confirmed that strikes had targeted the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.

Venezuelan officials urged the global community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered countless of lives in jeopardy.

Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Targeted

Residents spoke of hearing at least multiple explosions around the middle of the night local time. People in several areas reportedly hurried into the streets outside.

"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the area," stated one resident.

Plumes of smoke was observed billowing from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.

International Condemnation

The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an urgent meeting of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, stated it would activate operational measures at its shared border with Venezuela.

Context

The reported strikes are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats linked to illegal activities.

The administration has announced "the implementation of emergency" and directed all defense plans to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "reject this imperialist act."

American officials and the US Department of Defense have not immediately responded to inquiries for comment regarding the reports.