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Reports emerged of several explosions and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The incident has led to allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for diplomatic action.

Caracas Accuses US of Military Action

Venezuela's socialist administration has accused the United States of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal statement, the government stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"The primary goal of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," the statement declared.

The government appealed to the international community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed countless of lives in jeopardy.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted

Locals described experiencing roughly several powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. People in several neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the open.

"Everything shook. This is frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the area," stated one resident.

Plumes of smoke was observed rising from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.

Regional Condemnation

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would activate security measures at its frontier with Venezuela.

Background

These reported strikes come after a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defense measures to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "repudiate this imperialist act."

The White House and the Defense Department have not promptly commented on requests for comment regarding the reports.