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Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The event has sparked allegations from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic intervention.

Venezuela Blames Washington of Military Action

Venezuela's incumbent administration has blamed the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the Latin American country. In an public statement, the government stated that attacks had impacted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"Our primary goal of these strikes is to take control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and mineral wealth," the government said.

Caracas urged the international community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered numerous of civilians in jeopardy.

Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit

Eyewitnesses reported experiencing at least seven detonations around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in different neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the open.

"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and planes in the area," commented one resident.

Smoke was seen pouring from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.

International Reaction

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an swift meeting of the UN Security Council.

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

Background

These alleged attacks follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant naval presence off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.

The government has declared "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defence protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this external aggression."

US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not immediately addressed inquiries for comment regarding the events.