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Reports circulated of numerous explosions and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The event has sparked accusations from Venezuela's government and requests for international intervention.

Venezuela Condemns Washington of Attack

The socialist government has accused the US of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"The sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its oil and resources," the government asserted.

The government called on the global community to denounce the actions, which it described a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed numerous of lives in danger.

Reports of Blasts and Defense Sites Hit

Residents spoke of feeling approximately several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in various areas reportedly ran into the streets outside.

"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the sky," stated one resident.

Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.

Global Response

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He requested an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with its neighbor.

Preceding Events

These alleged attacks come after a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, there has been a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.

Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "reject this imperialist act."

The White House and the Defense Department have not immediately responded to inquiries for comment regarding the events.