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Reports circulated of several blasts and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked allegations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for international intervention.

Venezuela Blames US of Attack

Venezuela's authoritarian administration has accused the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly directed strikes against the South American state. In an formal statement, the authorities stated that strikes had targeted the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The only objective of this attack is to gain control of our nation's key assets, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," the government said.

The government called on the global community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered countless of civilians in danger.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted

Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing at least several detonations around the middle of the night local time. People in several neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the open.

"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the sky," stated one witness.

Smoke was observed billowing from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.

Regional Response

The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate security measures at its border with its neighbor.

Preceding Events

The reported attacks are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant US military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defence measures to be activated. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this external aggression."

US authorities and the Defense Department have not immediately addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.