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Accounts emerged of several blasts and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The event has led to accusations from the Venezuelan government and demands for international action.

Caracas Blames Washington of Military Action

The socialist administration has blamed the US of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly ordered military strikes against the South American nation. In an public announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"Our only objective of this aggression is to take control of our nation's natural resources, notably its crude oil and resources," the statement declared.

Caracas called on the international community to denounce the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that put millions of civilians in peril.

Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Hit

Locals reported hearing at least multiple explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different districts reportedly rushed into the open.

"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the distance," said one witness.

Plumes of smoke was observed billowing from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is thought to have a residence.

Regional Reaction

The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would activate defense plans at its frontier with its neighbor.

Preceding Events

These reported attacks come after a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial naval presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to protest and "denounce this external aggression."

American officials and the Defense Department did not promptly commented on requests for comment regarding the reports.