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Accounts emerged of several blasts and the roar of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. The incident has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for international action.

Venezuela Blames US of Aggression

Venezuela's incumbent administration has blamed the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump supposedly directed strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"Our primary goal of these strikes is to take control of our nation's key assets, especially its petroleum and resources," Venezuela declared.

The government appealed to the international community to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that placed numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Hit

Eyewitnesses reported hearing approximately multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in several neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets outside.

"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the distance," commented one witness.

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

Regional Response

The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would initiate operational plans at its frontier with Venezuela.

Context

These reported attacks are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major American military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on boats accused of illegal activities.

Venezuela's government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defense measures to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this imperialist act."

US authorities and the Defense Department did not promptly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.