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Witness testimonies emerged of several explosions and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This situation has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for international action.

Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action

The incumbent regime has accused the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal statement, the government asserted that strikes had hit the capital and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"Our sole aim of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its oil and resources," the statement said.

Venezuelan officials called on the world to condemn the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that placed numerous of civilians in danger.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted

Eyewitnesses described hearing at least multiple explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in various districts reportedly rushed into the open.

"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," said one witness.

Black smoke was seen billowing from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.

International Condemnation

The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate operational measures at its frontier with its neighbor.

Preceding Events

These alleged strikes come after a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial American military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on ships suspected of narco-trafficking.

The administration has declared "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense plans to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this foreign aggression."

The White House and the Defense Department did not publicly responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.