Caracas, Jan 6: Heavy gunfire was reported near Venezuela’s presidential palace in Caracas late Tuesday after security forces opened fire at unidentified drones seen flying over the complex, according to media reports.
News18, citing BNO News, said shots were fired near the Miraflores presidential palace around 8 pm local time, with residents across central Caracas reporting sustained gunfire lasting nearly 45 minutes. Several neighbourhoods also experienced temporary power outages during the incident.
A source close to the Venezuelan government told BNO News that “unidentified drones were detected over the palace,” prompting an immediate response from security personnel stationed at the site. Authorities later said the situation was brought under control, though no official information was released on damage or casualties.
Residents reported hearing repeated bursts of gunfire and observing possible drone or aircraft movement above the city. Videos circulating on social media showed flashes of light and the sound of heavy weapons fire, though these could not be independently verified.
The White House denied any involvement in the incident. “The United States was not involved,” a spokesperson was quoted as saying by BNO News.
The episode comes amid heightened political tensions in Venezuela following the swearing-in of Delcy Rodríguez as interim President after former President Nicolás Maduro was captured during a US-led operation over the weekend.
Maduro appeared before a federal court in New York on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to multiple federal charges, according to US authorities.
