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Accounts emerged of multiple blasts and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. This incident has led to accusations from Venezuela's government and demands for global intervention.

Caracas Blames Washington of Aggression

The socialist administration has blamed the US of what it calls "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the South American nation. In an formal announcement, the government stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"Our primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and minerals," the government said.

Caracas urged the international community to censure the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that put numerous of lives at risk in danger.

Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted

Eyewitnesses reported hearing roughly seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in several areas allegedly rushed into the streets outside.

"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We heard blasts and planes in the area," said one witness.

Black smoke was seen rising from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.

International Response

The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the Security Council.

Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate security measures at its border with its neighbor.

Background

These alleged strikes are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, there has been a significant naval buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.

Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist act."

The White House and the US Department of Defense have not immediately responded to inquiries for comment regarding the events.