Venezuela: Heavy gunfire and reports of possible drone activity near the presidential palace sparked fresh security concerns in Caracas late Tuesday, as the country remains on edge following a US-led operation that resulted in the capture and removal of President Nicolás Maduro.
Witnesses cited by agencies said shots were fired close to the Miraflores presidential palace in central Caracas at around 8:00 pm local time (0000 GMT).
Venezuelan Security Forces Respond to Unidentified Drone Activity
According to the reports, unidentified drones were seen flying over the palace complex, prompting security forces to open fire in response. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the origin or purpose of the drones.
The government has said that the situation is under control.
Venezuela has been experiencing a period of instability since a US military operation led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife at a military bunker near Caracas.
Following their removal from the country, Maduro and his wife appeared in a New York courtroom, where they pleaded not guilty to drug and weapons charges. Addressing the court, Maduro claimed he had been forcibly taken from Venezuela, telling the judge he had been “kidnapped in Caracas.”
Leadership Shift in Caracas: Delcy Rodríguez Sworn In As Venezuela’s Acting President
In the aftermath of Maduro’s removal, his close ally Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela’s acting president.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump declared that he considers himself to be in charge of Venezuela, further escalating tensions surrounding the country’s political future.
Trump also issued a series of warnings to other countries, stating that he could take military action in Colombia, urging Mexico to get its “act together” on drugs, and reiterating that the United States “needs Greenland.”
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
