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Witness testimonies circulated of numerous blasts and the sound of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.

Venezuela Blames Washington of Military Action

The incumbent regime has condemned the United States of committing "foreign aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed attacks against the South American country. In an formal declaration, the authorities stated that strikes had hit the capital and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"Our sole aim of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," the government asserted.

Venezuelan officials called on the global community to censure the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered millions of civilians in jeopardy.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Hit

Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing roughly several powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in several areas allegedly hurried into the open.

"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," said one local.

Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.

International Reaction

The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an swift emergency session of the Security Council.

Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate operational measures at its border with Venezuela.

Context

These reported strikes follow a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "denounce this foreign attack."

US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not promptly addressed requests for clarification regarding the allegations.