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Reports emerged of multiple explosions and the sound of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The event has prompted claims from the Venezuelan government and demands for international intervention.

Venezuela Condemns United States of Attack

Venezuela's authoritarian government has blamed the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly directed strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal announcement, the government stated that strikes had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"Our primary goal of this attack is to seize control of our nation's key assets, especially its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela declared.

Caracas urged the international community to denounce the strikes, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed numerous of civilians in peril.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted

Residents reported experiencing roughly multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. People in several districts allegedly hurried into the streets.

"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the sky," said one witness.

Plumes of smoke was observed rising from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is reported to live.

International Response

The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate security measures at its border with its neighbor.

Context

The alleged strikes are preceded by a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major US military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.

Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this foreign aggression."

The White House and the Pentagon have not immediately addressed requests for a statement regarding the reports.