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Accounts circulated of several explosions and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. This event has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan government and calls for global intervention.

Caracas Blames Washington of Attack

Venezuela's authoritarian government has accused the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Trump reportedly directed military strikes against the South American country. In an official statement, the government asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"Our primary goal of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its crude oil and resources," the statement declared.

Venezuelan officials urged the world to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.

Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted

Locals spoke of feeling at least seven detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in several areas reportedly rushed into the open.

"Everything shook. This is horrible. We heard blasts and planes in the area," commented one resident.

Black smoke was reported pouring from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.

International Response

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He requested an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate defense measures at its border with Venezuela.

Context

The reported attacks are preceded by a extended military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.

The government has announced "a state of external threat" and directed all defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to protest and "reject this external attack."

The White House and the US Department of Defense did not promptly commented on requests for a statement regarding the events.