Monday night brought renewed turmoil to Caracas. Gunfire erupted near the Miraflores Palace, the heart of executive power, reigniting fear and uncertainty in a city already on edge following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces.
Residents along Urdaneta Avenue reported hearing gunshots shortly after 8 PM. Verified videos displayed anti-aircraft fire over the capital, sparking rumors and speculation on social media in a nation still shaken by the recent political and military upheaval, as reported by CNN en Español.
Hours later, Venezuelan authorities tried to quell the panic. The Ministry of Communication claimed there were no clashes and that police had fired at unauthorized drones flying over the area.
“The entire country is completely calm,” they asserted, without clarifying who was operating the aerial devices. Nevertheless, the official explanation failed to fully ease the tension pervading the capital.
According to CNN, internal discussions among armed groups linked to the regime suggested that the gunfire resulted from a "misunderstanding" and confusion among various security teams near the presidential palace, weakened after the recent U.S. military strike that claimed the lives of many foreign fighters tasked with protection duties.
From Washington, White House officials assured both CNN and NBC News that the United States was not involved in the drone incident. “We are closely monitoring the reports, but we have no involvement,” official sources told both media outlets.
The episode unfolded just hours after Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president, amid a highly volatile political climate.
NBC News emphasized that the sound of gunfire underscored the precarious state of Venezuela following Maduro's downfall and the uncertainty surrounding the country's immediate future.
The American news channel also highlighted that witnesses claimed security forces were targeting unidentified drones, while questions linger about who sent them and for what reason.
Tension is not confined to Caracas. Along the Colombian-Venezuelan border, fear and silence prevail among citizens crossing the border daily. Entire families are leaving the country, uncertain of when they might return, many reluctant to speak for fear of reprisals against relatives remaining in Venezuela.
In the capital, the presence of armed personnel increased after the incident. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello appeared in videos patrolling the city with security forces, declaring “total normality in the Caracas night,” as slogans of loyalty to the regime echoed in the background.
Understanding the Caracas Drone Incident
What caused the gunfire near Miraflores Palace?
The gunfire was reportedly due to police firing at unauthorized drones flying near the palace, according to the Ministry of Communication.
Was the United States involved in the drone incident?
White House officials have stated that the United States was not involved in the incident with the drones.
Who is Delcy Rodríguez?
Delcy Rodríguez has been sworn in as the interim president of Venezuela amidst the current political turmoil.