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Reports surfaced of several explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This event has prompted claims from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global action.

Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression

Venezuela's incumbent regime has blamed the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the South American nation. In an public declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"Our sole aim of these strikes is to take control of our nation's key assets, in particular its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.

Venezuelan officials called on the global community to denounce the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that placed countless of civilians in peril.

Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted

Eyewitnesses reported hearing roughly multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. People in various districts reportedly ran into the streets.

"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," commented one resident.

Plumes of smoke was reported rising from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.

Global Reaction

The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate defense protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.

Background

These reported strikes come after a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major naval buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's government has stated "a state of emergency" and ordered all defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist attack."

The White House and the Pentagon did not publicly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.