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Reports surfaced of multiple blasts and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked accusations from Venezuela's authorities and requests for international intervention.

Caracas Accuses Washington of Military Action

Venezuela's authoritarian regime has blamed the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the South American nation. In an public declaration, the government confirmed that attacks had hit Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our primary goal of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.

Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to condemn the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed numerous of lives in danger.

Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted

Locals reported experiencing approximately multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in different neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets outside.

"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," commented one local.

Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.

International Response

The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational measures at its frontier with its neighbor.

Context

The alleged strikes follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of external threat" and directed all defense plans to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "denounce this foreign aggression."

American officials and the US Department of Defense have not immediately addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.