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Reports surfaced of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The situation has sparked accusations from Venezuela's authorities and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.

Caracas Condemns Washington of Aggression

Venezuela's incumbent administration has accused the Washington of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted the capital and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"Our only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.

Venezuelan officials urged the international community to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that put numerous of civilians in danger.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted

Locals described feeling approximately several explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in several neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets.

"Everything shook. This is horrible. We heard blasts and aircraft in the area," said one local.

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

Regional Response

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He requested an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would initiate security plans at its frontier with Venezuela.

Background

These reported strikes follow a extended campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, there has been a substantial naval buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.

The administration has announced "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "reject this external act."

The White House and the Pentagon did not immediately addressed requests for clarification regarding the allegations.