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Reports surfaced of multiple detonations and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. The situation has prompted accusations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for global intervention.

Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression

The socialist administration has accused the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the South American state. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that strikes had impacted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"Our only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its petroleum and resources," the statement declared.

Venezuelan officials urged the global community to denounce the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that put countless of lives in danger.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted

Locals spoke of experiencing at least several powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. People in several districts allegedly rushed into the streets outside.

"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," commented one resident.

Smoke was observed billowing from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.

International Reaction

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.

Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would activate security protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.

Background

These reported attacks come after a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Since August, authorities reported a significant naval presence off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.

Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "reject this external act."

The White House and the US Department of Defense did not immediately addressed requests for clarification regarding the events.