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Witness testimonies circulated of numerous detonations and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The situation has prompted accusations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for international intervention.

Caracas Accuses US of Aggression

Venezuela's authoritarian government has accused the US of an act of "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly directed strikes against the South American country. In an formal statement, the government asserted that attacks had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"Our primary goal of this aggression is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and resources," Venezuela said.

Caracas appealed to the global community to censure the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that put millions of civilians in danger.

Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted

Residents spoke of hearing at least seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. People in various areas allegedly rushed into the open.

"Everything shook. This is frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," commented one local.

Black smoke was reported rising from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.

International Condemnation

The leader of neighboring Colombia, wrote on X that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an swift emergency session of the Security Council.

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

Preceding Events

The reported strikes follow a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since August, there has been a significant naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.

The government has declared "the implementation of emergency" and directed all defense protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this external act."

US authorities and the Pentagon have not immediately commented on requests for comment regarding the events.