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Witness testimonies emerged of multiple explosions and the noise of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The situation has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for international action.

Venezuela Blames United States of Military Action

Venezuela's socialist administration has accused the United States of committing "foreign aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly directed attacks against the Latin American state. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"Our primary goal of this attack is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement declared.

Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to censure the strikes, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that put millions of lives in jeopardy.

Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Hit

Residents spoke of feeling at least seven explosions around the middle of the night local time. People in various areas allegedly hurried into the open.

"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and aircraft in the area," stated one witness.

Plumes of smoke was observed rising from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.

Regional Reaction

The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would activate operational protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.

Context

These reported attacks follow a months-long pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major naval deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.

Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all national defence measures to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "reject this external act."

The White House and the Defense Department did not immediately responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.