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Reports emerged of several explosions and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This situation has led to accusations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.

Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action

Venezuela's authoritarian administration has condemned the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the Latin American country. In an formal statement, the authorities asserted that attacks had impacted the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its oil and minerals," the government asserted.

The government called on the global community to censure the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered millions of civilians in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted

Eyewitnesses reported feeling approximately seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in several districts allegedly rushed into the open.

"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard explosions and jets in the sky," commented one witness.

Black smoke was reported pouring from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is thought to have a residence.

Global Condemnation

The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.

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

Background

These reported strikes come after a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial American military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships suspected of narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this external attack."

US authorities and the Defense Department did not promptly addressed requests for comment regarding the allegations.