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Accounts surfaced of numerous detonations and the roar of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. The event has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for global intervention.

Caracas Condemns Washington of Attack

Venezuela's incumbent administration has condemned the Washington of what it calls "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an public announcement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its oil and minerals," Venezuela declared.

Venezuelan officials called on the world to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that placed countless of lives at risk in peril.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Hit

Residents described feeling at least seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. People in several areas reportedly rushed into the streets outside.

"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," commented one witness.

Smoke was reported pouring from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.

International Reaction

The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, said it would initiate operational measures at its border with its neighbor.

Context

The alleged attacks follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major US military presence off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on boats suspected of illegal activities.

The administration has stated "a state of emergency" and commanded all national defence protocols to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "reject this foreign aggression."

American officials and the US Department of Defense did not immediately addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.