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Reports circulated of multiple explosions and the sound of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This situation has sparked accusations from Venezuela's government and requests for international action.

Caracas Accuses Washington of Attack

Venezuela's socialist regime has blamed the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump supposedly directed strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official announcement, the government stated that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"The primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.

Venezuelan officials urged the global community to censure the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed numerous of civilians in peril.

Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted

Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing at least multiple explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in various areas reportedly rushed into the streets.

"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and planes in the distance," said one resident.

Plumes of smoke was seen rising from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.

Global Response

The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.

Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, said it would activate security measures at its shared border with Venezuela.

Context

The reported attacks come after a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of emergency" and commanded all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "reject this foreign aggression."

US authorities and the Defense Department did not immediately responded to inquiries for comment regarding the reports.