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Accounts circulated of numerous detonations and the roar of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This situation has prompted accusations from Venezuela's authorities and requests for international intervention.

Caracas Accuses Washington of Aggression

Venezuela's socialist regime has accused the US of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"The primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its oil and minerals," the statement declared.

Venezuelan officials called on the international community to denounce the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed countless of civilians in peril.

Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit

Residents reported experiencing approximately several powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. People in several areas reportedly rushed into the open.

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

Black smoke was reported rising from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.

International Response

The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.

Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate operational protocols at its border with its neighbor.

Context

The alleged attacks come after a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial naval presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships linked to illegal activities.

Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this external aggression."

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