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Reports surfaced of numerous blasts and the roar of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The situation has led to claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for diplomatic action.

Venezuela Condemns United States of Attack

The authoritarian government has accused the Washington of an act of "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the South American country. In an formal declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"The sole aim of these strikes is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela said.

Caracas appealed to the world to censure the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that put millions of civilians in peril.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Hit

Locals reported feeling roughly multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. People in several neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets.

"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," said one witness.

Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.

Global Reaction

The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an swift meeting of the Security Council.

Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate security protocols at its border with its neighbor.

Preceding Events

These alleged attacks come after a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro administration. Since last summer, there has been a substantial naval deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "repudiate this imperialist act."

US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not promptly commented on requests for comment regarding the events.