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Accounts circulated of numerous blasts and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This incident has sparked accusations from Venezuela's authorities and requests for international scrutiny.

Caracas Condemns United States of Attack

The socialist administration has condemned the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American country. In an public declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"The primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, notably its petroleum and mineral wealth," the government said.

Caracas appealed to the world to censure the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed numerous of lives at risk in danger.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted

Eyewitnesses reported experiencing approximately multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. People in various areas reportedly rushed into the streets.

"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We heard blasts and planes in the sky," said one local.

Plumes of smoke was seen rising from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.

Global Condemnation

The president of bordering Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.

Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would activate security measures at its border with Venezuela.

Background

The reported strikes follow a extended military buildup by the US against the Maduro government. Since August, authorities reported a major American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.

Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "reject this external act."

American officials and the Pentagon have not immediately commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.