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Witness testimonies emerged of multiple blasts and the sound of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The incident has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for international scrutiny.

Venezuela Condemns US of Aggression

Venezuela's socialist regime has blamed the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly directed military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"The primary goal of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its oil and mineral wealth," the government asserted.

Caracas urged the international community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that placed numerous of civilians in jeopardy.

Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted

Locals spoke of feeling roughly several explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in different districts allegedly ran into the open.

"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and planes in the sky," stated one resident.

Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is thought to live.

Regional Reaction

The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He requested an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with its neighbor.

Context

These alleged strikes follow a extended military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Since August, authorities reported a significant naval deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.

Venezuela's government has stated "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defence protocols to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to protest and "denounce this foreign aggression."

American officials and the Defense Department have not promptly addressed requests for clarification regarding the events.