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Reports circulated of multiple detonations and the sound of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. The situation has led to allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for international intervention.

Caracas Blames United States of Aggression

The incumbent administration has accused the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the South American state. In an formal announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted the capital and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"Our sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and resources," the statement declared.

The government called on the global community to censure the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that placed countless of lives at risk in jeopardy.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted

Eyewitnesses reported hearing approximately several detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in different districts reportedly ran into the streets outside.

"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," commented one resident.

Black smoke was seen billowing from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.

International Response

The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

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

Context

The reported attacks come after a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Since August, there has been a significant naval presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this foreign act."

American officials and the Defense Department have not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the events.