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Accounts emerged of multiple detonations and the noise of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The event has led to claims from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for international scrutiny.

Venezuela Accuses Washington of Aggression

The authoritarian government has condemned the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an official declaration, the government asserted that strikes had hit the capital and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"Our primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's key assets, in particular its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.

Venezuelan officials called on the world to censure the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that placed millions of civilians in peril.

Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Targeted

Locals reported hearing approximately several powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in various districts allegedly ran into the streets.

"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We heard blasts and planes in the sky," said one resident.

Plumes of smoke was seen rising from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.

International Condemnation

The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency session of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate security protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.

Context

The alleged strikes come after a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Since August, there has been a significant naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships accused of narco-trafficking.

The administration has declared "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all defense measures to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this foreign aggression."

US authorities and the Pentagon did not promptly addressed requests for a statement regarding the reports.