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Accounts circulated of multiple explosions and the sound of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This event has prompted allegations from Venezuela's authorities and requests for international action.

Venezuela Condemns US of Military Action

Venezuela's incumbent regime has condemned the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal statement, the government asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"Our primary goal of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its petroleum and resources," the statement said.

Venezuelan officials called on the global community to censure the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that placed numerous of lives at risk in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted

Locals spoke of experiencing roughly multiple detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in various neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets outside.

"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," commented one resident.

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

International Reaction

The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would activate operational protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.

Context

These alleged strikes are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant naval presence off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.

Venezuela's government has announced "a state of emergency" and ordered all national defence protocols to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this imperialist aggression."

American officials and the Pentagon did not promptly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the reports.