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Witness testimonies circulated of numerous blasts and the sound of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked accusations from Venezuela's government and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.

Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression

The incumbent government has condemned the United States of committing "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the South American state. In an public declaration, the authorities confirmed that attacks had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"Our only objective of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its oil and resources," the statement asserted.

Caracas called on the global community to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered millions of lives in danger.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Hit

Residents described feeling approximately seven explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. People in different districts allegedly rushed into the streets.

"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," said one local.

Smoke was seen pouring from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.

Global Response

The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate defense measures at its border with its neighbor.

Context

The reported strikes follow a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial US military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.

Venezuela's government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "reject this imperialist act."

US authorities and the Defense Department did not publicly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.