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Reports surfaced of multiple detonations and the roar of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The incident has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan government and calls for international intervention.

Venezuela Condemns Washington of Attack

The incumbent government has accused the US of what it calls "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the Latin American state. In an public declaration, the authorities stated that strikes had impacted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our only objective of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its petroleum and minerals," the government declared.

Caracas urged the international community to condemn the strikes, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered countless of lives in peril.

Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Hit

Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing approximately several explosions around 2 a.m. local time. People in several neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets.

"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," said one witness.

Smoke was seen billowing from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.

Global Condemnation

The leader of neighboring Colombia, wrote on social media that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate defense protocols at its border with its neighbor.

Preceding Events

These alleged attacks follow a extended military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Since August, authorities reported a major US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.

The administration has announced "a state of external threat" and directed all defense measures to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this foreign attack."

The White House and the Pentagon have not promptly addressed requests for clarification regarding the allegations.