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Witness testimonies emerged of several blasts and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The event has prompted accusations from Venezuela's government and calls for diplomatic intervention.

Venezuela Blames US of Military Action

Venezuela's socialist government has condemned the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Trump allegedly directed strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"The sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.

Caracas appealed to the world to censure the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in danger.

Accounts of Blasts and Military Sites Hit

Locals reported experiencing roughly multiple detonations around 2:00 AM local time. People in various areas reportedly rushed into the streets.

"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We heard blasts and aircraft in the sky," stated one witness.

Black smoke was observed billowing from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.

International Response

The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He requested an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would activate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.

Context

The alleged strikes follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro administration. Since August, authorities reported a major naval deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships accused of illegal activities.

The government has stated "a state of external threat" and directed all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "repudiate this imperialist aggression."

American officials and the Defense Department did not promptly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.