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Reports circulated of numerous explosions and the roar of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. This situation has sparked accusations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for diplomatic intervention.

Venezuela Blames Washington of Attack

The socialist administration has blamed the Washington of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the South American state. In an official statement, the government confirmed that attacks had hit the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"Our primary goal of this aggression is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its petroleum and resources," the statement said.

Caracas appealed to the global community to denounce the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that endangered countless of lives in danger.

Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Hit

Locals described hearing roughly multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in various areas allegedly ran into the streets.

"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and planes in the area," said one resident.

Black smoke was seen pouring from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.

Regional Reaction

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an immediate meeting of the Security Council.

Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would activate operational plans at its shared border with Venezuela.

Context

The alleged attacks are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant naval buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.

The administration has announced "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this foreign act."

American officials and the US Department of Defense did not publicly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.