Post by : Meena Ariff

A tense atmosphere enveloped Caracas late Monday as gunfire erupted near the Miraflores presidential palace, mere days after former president Nicolás Maduro was detained by US military forces during a significant operation that transformed the nation's political dynamics.

Witnesses and government sources reported that the disturbances started around 8:00 PM local time when drones were spotted hovering over the heavily fortified palace grounds. In response, local security forces discharged their weapons into the air, appearing to neutralize what they believed to be a potential aerial threat. Authorities later confirmed that the situation was swiftly managed, with no immediate risk posed to the interim government or vital state entities.

This incident unfolded during a particularly delicate phase for the country, just hours after Delcy Rodríguez was officially inaugurated as interim president following Maduro's ousting. The coinciding occurrences heightened public trepidation as Venezuela wrestles with deepening political turmoil and significant security worries.

Residents in the vicinity described hearing short but vigorous bursts of gunfire, lasting under a minute. One neighbor, who chose to remain unnamed, expressed fears over a potential aerial assault. Many bystanders instinctively gazed upwards, hoping to identify aircraft, but instead saw two red lights overhead, which they suspected were drones.

As chaos unfolded, occupants of nearby buildings rushed to their windows and balconies, eager for information. Although the gunfire raised alarms, several eyewitnesses noted that its intensity was significantly lower compared to the military operations that preceded Maduro’s fall, labeling Monday night’s events as brief and closely contained.

Subsequent footage revealed tracer rounds illuminating the night sky above the palace, accompanied by a substantial police presence. Numerous armed forces were observed assembling at the Miraflores compound to strengthen defenses and secure adjacent streets.

Despite the public’s anxiety, there was no immediate statement from the government’s communications office addressing the nature of the drones or the threat. This absence of prompt communication has sparked further speculation, as tensions remain high in Caracas amid Venezuela’s volatile political landscape.

#Global News