Only a few days after former president Nicolás Maduro was apprehended and sent to the United States, gunfire and explosives were heard on Monday night close to Caracas’ Miraflores Palace, creating new security fears.
Heavy gunfire was reported in the vicinity of the presidential complex, according to local media and unconfirmed social media footage. Residents described a tense atmosphere as security personnel descended upon the area.
Videos that CNN was able to collect appeared to show flashes in the night sky over the capital that were thought to be lights from drones and anti-aircraft fire.
Additional film that was making the rounds on the internet featured military convoys, security patrols, and armed personnel with heavy weapons stationed along the streets that led to the palace. As the area’s security was strengthened, residents were observed seeking shelter.
Local accounts state that the gunfire started at approximately 8 p.m. local time after reports of strange drones being spotted close to the palace, which added to the uncertainty.
In the gunshot incident, the White House has denied any role.
CNN subsequently stated that the gunshot was the consequence of a “misunderstanding,” citing conversations among regime-affiliated paramilitary groups that implied confusion between various security units working close to the palace.
As of late Monday night, there were no verified reports of fatalities or injuries. Additionally, the authorities had not released an official statement regarding the specific cause of the security breach, arrests, or potential damage.
Whether the incident was directly connected to the nation’s worsening political turmoil has not been confirmed by officials.
After Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were detained during a US military operation over the weekend, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as acting president just hours before the gunshots was reported.
