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Witness testimonies emerged of several explosions and the roar of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. This incident has sparked allegations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for diplomatic action.

Caracas Accuses US of Attack

Venezuela's socialist regime has accused the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly directed military strikes against the South American nation. In an formal declaration, the government confirmed that strikes had impacted the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"Our only objective of this attack is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its petroleum and minerals," the government said.

Caracas called on the international community to denounce the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.

Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Hit

Eyewitnesses reported experiencing roughly several powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different districts reportedly rushed into the open.

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

Black smoke was seen rising from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.

International Condemnation

The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an swift emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would activate defense measures at its border with its neighbor.

Background

These alleged attacks come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Since August, there has been a significant American military buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of emergency" and directed all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "reject this imperialist aggression."

American officials and the US Department of Defense have not publicly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.