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Accounts emerged of several explosions and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked claims from Venezuela's authorities and requests for international action.

Caracas Condemns United States of Attack

The incumbent regime has accused the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly authorized military strikes against the South American state. In an formal statement, the government asserted that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its petroleum and resources," the statement asserted.

Caracas urged the international community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered millions of civilians in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit

Residents reported experiencing approximately several detonations around 2:00 AM local time. People in various neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets.

"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," commented one resident.

Smoke was seen pouring from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.

Regional Condemnation

The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate defense plans at its frontier with its neighbor.

Context

These alleged attacks follow a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant US military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.

The government has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "reject this foreign aggression."

The White House and the Defense Department did not immediately commented on requests for comment regarding the allegations.