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Witness testimonies circulated of several blasts and the noise of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The incident has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan government and calls for global action.

Venezuela Condemns United States of Aggression

The socialist administration has accused the Washington of what it calls "imperial aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public statement, the government asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"The sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.

Caracas urged the world to condemn the strikes, which it described a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered countless of civilians in jeopardy.

Accounts of Blasts and Military Sites Hit

Locals reported hearing at least seven explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in various districts allegedly ran into the open.

"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," said one local.

Plumes of smoke was observed billowing from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is believed to reside.

Global Condemnation

The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.

Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate security plans at its border with its neighbor.

Background

These alleged strikes come after a extended military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.

Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all defense measures to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this imperialist aggression."

American officials and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the events.