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Witness testimonies emerged of several explosions and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The event has led to claims from the Venezuelan government and requests for international intervention.

Caracas Accuses Washington of Military Action

The authoritarian government has blamed the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed attacks against the Latin American country. In an official announcement, the authorities asserted that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"The only objective of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, notably its petroleum and resources," the government declared.

Caracas called on the global community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered numerous of civilians in peril.

Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit

Locals spoke of experiencing approximately several explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in various districts allegedly rushed into the streets outside.

"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," said one resident.

Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.

Regional Reaction

The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.

Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate security plans at its border with Venezuela.

Preceding Events

These alleged attacks follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant American military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.

The administration has announced "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this foreign attack."

The White House and the Pentagon did not promptly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the events.