NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 3 — Venezuela has declared a nationwide state of emergency following overnight air and missile strikes by United States forces on targets in the capital, Caracas, and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.In a statement released Saturday, the Venezuelan government said explosions were reported at both civilian and military locations.Videos circulating on social media showed low-flying aircraft over Venezuelan airspace and plumes of smoke rising from multiple areas, though the footage could not be independently verified.US officials told CBS News President Donald Trump had ordered the raids.The government of President Nicolás Maduro condemned the attacks as a “grave military aggression” and a violation of the United Nations Charter, warning that they threaten regional peace in Latin America and the Caribbean.Caracas accused Washington of attempting to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty and seize strategic resources.“The objective of this attack is none other than to seize Venezuela’s strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals, and to break the nation’s political independence by force,” the government said in a statement.“They will not succeed. After more than 200 years of independence, the people and their legitimate government remain steadfast in defence of sovereignty and the inalienable right to decide their own destiny.”Citing constitutional and national security laws, President Maduro signed a decree declaring a State of External Commotion across the country.The measure authorises the activation of national defence plans, the deployment of the Comprehensive Defence Command nationwide, and heightened mobilisation of the armed forces alongside civilian authorities.The government said the measures were aimed at protecting the population and ensuring the continued functioning of state institutions.Venezuela also said it would formally raise the matter at international forums, including the United Nations Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Non-Aligned Movement, seeking condemnation and accountability.Regional leaders reacted swiftly.Colombian President Gustavo Petro said the situation required immediate international attention.“Right now they are bombing Caracas,” Petro wrote on social media. “The OAS and the UN must meet immediately.”Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel also denounced what he described as a “criminal attack,” urging the international community to respond and warning that the region’s long-standing commitment to peace was under threat.“Cuba denounces and urgently demands the reaction of the international community against the criminal attack by the U.S. on Venezuela,” Díaz-Canel said.The developments come amid sharply deteriorating relations between Washington and Caracas.In recent months, US forces have intensified maritime operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, striking vessels suspected of drug trafficking as part of an expanded “war on drugs.” US officials say more than 30 interdictions have taken place over the past three months.President Trump has also escalated pressure on Venezuela, imposing a blockade in December, designating President Maduro and senior officials as leaders of a foreign terrorist organisation, and seizing Venezuelan-linked oil tankers in the Caribbean.Notably, just days before the reported strikes, Maduro said he was open to dialogue with Washington on drug trafficking and oil-related issues.In an interview with state television, he said talks could take place “wherever they want and whenever they want,” signalling a willingness to negotiate despite rising tensions.