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Reports surfaced of numerous explosions and the noise of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The incident has sparked claims from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for international action.

Venezuela Condemns Washington of Aggression

Venezuela's authoritarian government has blamed the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the South American state. In an formal announcement, the government asserted that strikes had impacted the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"The only objective of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement said.

Venezuelan officials called on the international community to censure the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that put millions of civilians in peril.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Hit

Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing at least several powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in several areas allegedly hurried into the streets outside.

"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," said one resident.

Smoke was reported billowing from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.

Global Reaction

The president of bordering Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate defense protocols at its border with its neighbor.

Context

These alleged attacks come after a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on boats suspected of illegal activities.

The government has stated "a state of emergency" and commanded all defense protocols to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this external act."

The White House and the Defense Department have not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.