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Accounts surfaced of several explosions and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. The situation has prompted claims from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for global intervention.

Caracas Accuses US of Attack

Venezuela's authoritarian administration has condemned the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the South American nation. In an formal announcement, the government asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"The only objective of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, in particular its petroleum and minerals," the statement declared.

Caracas called on the world to denounce the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that placed millions of civilians in danger.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted

Locals spoke of feeling roughly seven explosions around 2:00 AM local time. People in various areas reportedly ran into the open.

"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the area," said one witness.

Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.

Global Reaction

The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He requested an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate operational measures at its frontier with its neighbor.

Preceding Events

These alleged strikes are preceded by a extended military buildup by the US against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.

The administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense measures to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to protest and "denounce this imperialist attack."

The White House and the Defense Department have not publicly responded to requests for clarification regarding the reports.