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Accounts circulated of multiple blasts and the sound of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The incident has led to accusations from Venezuela's government and calls for international scrutiny.

Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression

Venezuela's socialist regime has blamed the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Trump supposedly directed attacks against the South American state. In an official announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and minerals," the government declared.

Caracas urged the world to censure the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that put millions of lives at risk in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit

Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing approximately several powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in several neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets.

"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," said one local.

Smoke was observed rising from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.

Global Response

The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.

Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would initiate operational protocols at its border with Venezuela.

Context

These reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, there has been a significant naval deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.

The administration has announced "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defence protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this external act."

The White House and the US Department of Defense did not promptly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the reports.