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Witness testimonies surfaced of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident has led to claims from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for international scrutiny.

Venezuela Blames Washington of Military Action

Venezuela's incumbent administration has blamed the Washington of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the South American country. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"The only objective of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's key assets, especially its crude oil and minerals," the statement declared.

Venezuelan officials urged the international community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered countless of civilians in peril.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Hit

Locals reported hearing at least several powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in various neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets.

"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," stated one witness.

Smoke was seen pouring from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.

Regional Response

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an swift emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would activate security plans at its border with Venezuela.

Context

The reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Maduro government. Since August, there has been a major American military deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.

The administration has announced "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist act."

The White House and the Defense Department have not immediately addressed requests for clarification regarding the allegations.