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Witness testimonies emerged of several explosions and the roar of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This situation has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for diplomatic action.

Caracas Blames Washington of Aggression

Venezuela's authoritarian administration has accused the United States of what it calls "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly directed military strikes against the Latin American state. In an public statement, the government stated that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"The primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and resources," the government asserted.

Venezuelan officials appealed to the world to censure the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that put numerous of lives at risk in danger.

Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted

Locals reported hearing roughly seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in different districts allegedly ran into the streets.

"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," stated one local.

Smoke was reported pouring from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.

International Condemnation

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.

Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate security plans at its border with its neighbor.

Context

The reported strikes are preceded by a extended military buildup by the US against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major US military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats suspected of illegal activities.

Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of emergency" and directed all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "denounce this imperialist aggression."

The White House and the Defense Department did not promptly commented on requests for clarification regarding the reports.