Gunfire, drone sightings reported near Venezuela’s presidential palace amid post-Maduro tensions

Heavy gunfire and reports of possible drone activity near Venezuela’s presidential palace sparked renewed security concerns in Caracas late Monday, as tensions remain high following a US-led operation that led to the capture and removal of President Nicolás Maduro.

Witnesses quoted by AFP said shots were fired near the Miraflores Palace in central Caracas around 8 p.m. local time (0000 GMT). A source close to the government said unidentified drones were seen flying over the palace complex, prompting security forces to open fire. The situation was later brought under control, though authorities did not immediately disclose details about damage or casualties.

BNO News cited the White House as saying the United States was “not involved” in the reported incident. Media reports said several government buildings were evacuated as a precaution.

The incident came amid escalating political turmoil in Venezuela following Maduro’s arrest by US forces. Speaking to NBC News earlier, US President Donald Trump said Venezuela would not hold elections in the next 30 days, arguing that the country needed to be stabilised first. He also named senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, as part of the team overseeing US involvement in Venezuela.

Trump denied that the United States is at war with Venezuela, saying Washington was targeting drug traffickers and criminal networks. He added that the administration may subsidise US oil companies investing in rebuilding Venezuela’s energy sector, a process he said could take less than 18 months.

Maduro, who has been arraigned in New York on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine trafficking, has pleaded not guilty, insisting he remains Venezuela’s legitimate leader. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as acting president but later demanded the “immediate release” of Maduro and his wife, calling the US operation a “savage attack” on Venezuela.