Trump orders US airstrikes on Caracas as Venezuela declares 'national emergency'

Low-flying aircraft, loud explosions and columns of smoke were seen and heard during the early hours of Saturday morning, with several locations targeted across the capital.

The strikes have led Venezuela to declare a "national emergency", with the country's government accusing Trump of "military aggression".

The explosions reportedly began at 1:50am local time, with one targeting Fort Tiona, the headquarters of the Venezuelan Ministry of Defense .

The southern part of the city, located close to a major military base, has been left without power, as have several other areas, according to reports.

Meanwhile, a column of smoke has been seen rising from La Carlota airport.

Locals from several neighbourhoods reportedly poured into the streets amid the chaotic scenes.

Read more: Trump confirms first strike on Venezuelan soil in escalation of military operations

Read more: New ‘Trump class’ warships to be 'biggest ever built' as US president ramps up pressure on Venezuela

Some residents were forced to evacuate a building near the Miraflores presidential palace after the explosions were heard.

The Venezuelan government has accused the US of committing the attack, saying it "rejects, repudiates, and denounces" America's "military aggression".

It said the US is attempting to "seize Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, attempting to forcibly break the nation's political independence".

"Such aggression threatens international peace and stability, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean, and seriously endangers the lives of millions of people," it added in a statement.

The White House and Pentagon have not yet commented on Saturday's strikes, but American officials speaking anonymously have confirmed reports that the US is behind the attacks.

It comes after US President Donald Trump warned his deadly drone strikes against alleged Venezuelan drug boats could soon move to land.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has now banned US flights over Venezuela over a "potentially hazardous situation".

It issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) for the Maiquetia Flight Information Region, including Venezuela, citing "ongoing military activity".

The US embassy in Bogota, Columbia, has also warned US citizens not to travel to Venezuela, with those in the country told to shelter in place.

On Monday, Mr Trump claimed the US had carried out a strike on a "dock area" connected to alleged Venezuelan drug vessels, resulting in a "major explosion".

He did not specify whether it was a military or CIA operation or where the strike took place, but said it happened “along the shore”.

Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's president, has not commented Monday’s alleged strike, but said he was open to cooperation with Washington on Thursday after weeks of military pressure.

Following a phone call with Mr Maduro last month, Mr Trump took to social media to declare Venezuelan airspace should be considered closed and that military action could begin “very soon.”

Mr Trump allegedly offered the Venezuelan leader, as well as his wife and son, safe passage out of the country if he resigned immediately.

The Trump administration began striking boats in the Caribbean in September after claiming they were being used to traffic drugs to the US without providing evidence.

Mr Trump claims Mr Maduro and Venezuelan drug gangs have infiltrated the US.