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Witness testimonies emerged of multiple explosions and the noise of low-flying planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This incident has led to accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for diplomatic action.

Venezuela Condemns United States of Military Action

Venezuela's socialist administration has blamed the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the South American country. In an official announcement, the authorities stated that strikes had hit the capital and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"The primary goal of these strikes is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and resources," the government declared.

The government called on the international community to condemn the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international norms" that put millions of lives in danger.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted

Residents spoke of feeling roughly seven detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in several neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets.

"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the distance," said one witness.

Smoke was reported rising from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.

Global Reaction

The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He requested an swift emergency session of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.

Background

These reported attacks follow a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on ships linked to illegal activities.

The government has announced "the implementation of emergency" and directed all defense plans to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "reject this imperialist aggression."

US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not immediately responded to inquiries for comment regarding the reports.