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Reports circulated of multiple blasts and the roar of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The incident has led to allegations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for global intervention.

Venezuela Blames Washington of Military Action

Venezuela's incumbent government has accused the US of committing "foreign aggression," stating that former President Trump reportedly directed attacks against the South American nation. In an public statement, the government confirmed that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"Our only objective of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," the government asserted.

Venezuelan officials urged the world to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed millions of lives at risk in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit

Residents spoke of feeling approximately seven detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. People in several areas reportedly ran into the streets.

"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and planes in the sky," said one local.

Black smoke was seen pouring from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is reported to reside.

Regional Reaction

The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.

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

Preceding Events

The alleged attacks are preceded by a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.

The administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this imperialist act."

The White House and the US Department of Defense did not publicly responded to requests for a statement regarding the events.