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Witness testimonies circulated of multiple blasts and the roar of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. This event has led to allegations from the Venezuelan government and requests for international scrutiny.

Venezuela Condemns United States of Aggression

The incumbent administration has accused the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American state. In an public declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"The only objective of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," the government said.

Venezuelan officials called on the global community to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed numerous of lives at risk in peril.

Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted

Locals spoke of feeling roughly several explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in various areas reportedly rushed into the streets.

"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the distance," said one witness.

Black smoke was observed rising from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.

International Condemnation

The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Right now they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate meeting of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate defense measures at its shared border with its neighbor.

Context

The alleged attacks are preceded by a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels linked to illegal activities.

The government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all defense protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "reject this foreign attack."

US authorities and the Pentagon did not immediately addressed requests for a statement regarding the events.