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Accounts circulated of several blasts and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. The incident has led to allegations from Venezuela's government and calls for international action.

Venezuela Blames Washington of Aggression

The incumbent regime has condemned the Washington of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Trump supposedly directed military strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal declaration, the government asserted that strikes had hit the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"The only objective of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its oil and resources," the government said.

Venezuelan officials urged the world to condemn the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed numerous of lives in jeopardy.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit

Residents described hearing at least multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in different neighborhoods reportedly ran into the open.

"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the area," commented one local.

Black smoke was seen rising from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.

Regional Condemnation

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He requested an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate defense protocols at its border with its neighbor.

Context

These reported attacks follow a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, there has been a major US military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships accused of narco-trafficking.

The government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defence protocols to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this foreign aggression."

The White House and the Pentagon have not promptly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the events.