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Witness testimonies emerged of numerous explosions and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The situation has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan government and requests for diplomatic action.

Caracas Condemns Washington of Attack

Venezuela's socialist government has accused the Washington of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump supposedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an public declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.

Venezuelan officials called on the world to censure the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.

Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit

Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing approximately seven explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in various neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the open.

"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard blasts and aircraft in the sky," said one witness.

Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.

International Condemnation

The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media 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, stated it would initiate security protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.

Context

The reported strikes come after a extended campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.

Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also called on its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this external aggression."

The White House and the Defense Department did not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.