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Witness testimonies circulated of several explosions and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The event has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for diplomatic intervention.

Caracas Accuses US of Attack

The incumbent regime has blamed the US of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the South American nation. In an formal declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had targeted the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"The only objective of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its oil and resources," Venezuela said.

Caracas called on the global community to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that put numerous of civilians in danger.

Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Hit

Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing at least several explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in different districts allegedly hurried into the streets.

"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and planes in the distance," stated one witness.

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

Global Condemnation

The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Currently they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an immediate meeting of the Security Council.

Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate defense protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.

Preceding Events

The reported strikes come after a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, there has been a major US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on boats suspected of narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defence protocols to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "reject this foreign aggression."

The White House and the Pentagon have not promptly commented on requests for a statement regarding the allegations.