Breaking: Gunfire Erupts Near Venezuela’s Presidential Palace, Panic in Caracas

Only a few days after former president Nicolás Maduro was apprehended and sent to the United States, Monday night’s gunfire and explosions outside Miraflores Palace in Caracas raised new security fears.

Residents described a tense atmosphere as security troops stormed the area, while local media and unconfirmed social media images claimed heavy gunshots near the presidential building.

Videos that CNN was able to collect seemed to show flashes in the night sky over the capital that were thought to be lights from drones and anti-aircraft fire.

Additional video that was making the rounds on the internet showed military convoys and security patrols stationed along the streets that led to the palace, along with armed men brandishing heavy weapons. As authorities increased security in the area, locals were observed seeking shelter.

Local accounts state that the gunfire started at approximately 8 p.m. local time in response to reports of strange drones being spotted close to the palace, which added to the chaos.

The White House has denied any role in the shooting incident.

CNN subsequently stated that the gunshot was caused by a “misunderstanding,” citing conversations among regime-affiliated paramilitary groups that implied confusion between various security units stationed close to the palace.

There were no verified reports of fatalities or injuries as of late Monday night. Additionally, no official announcement regarding potential damage, arrests, or the specific cause of the security breach had been released by the authorities.

Whether the incident was directly related to the nation’s escalating 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 inaugurated in as acting president just hours before the alleged firing.