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Witness testimonies surfaced of numerous explosions and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This event has prompted allegations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for international intervention.

Venezuela Accuses United States of Attack

Venezuela's incumbent administration has blamed the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the South American state. In an formal declaration, the government asserted that strikes had impacted the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our only objective of this attack is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.

Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that put millions of lives at risk in danger.

Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Targeted

Residents spoke of feeling roughly multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in various neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets.

"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and jets in the area," commented one witness.

Black smoke was reported rising from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.

Global Response

The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He requested an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate defense measures at its border with Venezuela.

Context

These alleged strikes follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, there has been a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.

The administration has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all defense measures to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "denounce this foreign act."

American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.