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Witness testimonies surfaced of several blasts and the roar of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The event has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan government and demands for diplomatic action.

Venezuela Accuses United States of Attack

The authoritarian administration has condemned the United States of what it calls "foreign aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump supposedly authorized military strikes against the South American country. In an formal declaration, the government confirmed that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"The sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its petroleum and resources," the government said.

Caracas urged the global community to denounce the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed countless of civilians in danger.

Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted

Eyewitnesses described feeling roughly several detonations around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in various areas reportedly ran into the streets outside.

"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard blasts and planes in the distance," said one resident.

Smoke was seen rising from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.

International Condemnation

The president of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He requested an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational protocols at its border with Venezuela.

Context

These reported attacks follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant American military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on boats suspected of illegal activities.

Venezuela's government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and directed all defense plans to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this foreign attack."

American officials and the US Department of Defense did not immediately addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.