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Accounts circulated of multiple blasts and the sound of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. This incident has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for diplomatic action.

Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action

Venezuela's authoritarian government has condemned the US of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the South American nation. In an official announcement, the government asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"The primary goal of these strikes is to take control of our nation's natural resources, notably its oil and minerals," Venezuela said.

Caracas called on the international community to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed millions of lives at risk in peril.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted

Eyewitnesses described feeling at least seven explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in different districts reportedly rushed into the streets.

"Everything shook. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," stated one resident.

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

International Condemnation

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate operational measures at its shared border with Venezuela.

Background

The reported strikes follow a months-long military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major American military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's government has announced "a state of external threat" and directed all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "repudiate this external aggression."

The White House and the US Department of Defense did not promptly commented on requests for clarification regarding the allegations.