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Reports circulated of several explosions and the sound of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This incident has prompted allegations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for international scrutiny.

Caracas Condemns US of Attack

The authoritarian government has blamed the US of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal announcement, the government asserted that strikes had targeted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," the statement declared.

The government called on the global community to condemn the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that put numerous of civilians in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted

Eyewitnesses described hearing at least multiple explosions around 2 a.m. local time. People in different districts reportedly rushed into the streets outside.

"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We heard explosions and planes in the area," said one local.

Smoke was seen billowing from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.

Global Response

The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an immediate emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would initiate security measures at its border with Venezuela.

Context

The reported strikes follow a extended military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.

The administration has stated "a state of emergency" and ordered all defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "denounce this external aggression."

American officials and the Pentagon have not promptly responded to requests for a statement regarding the events.