Alarm in Caracas after Maduro’s removal: Gunfire and explosions near Miraflores Palace
Tensions rose in Venezuela’s capital Caracas as gunfire and explosions were reported near the Miraflores presidential palace, hours after Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president.
Following the transfer of Nicolas Maduro to the United States, security alerts were triggered in Caracas. Gunshots and explosions were heard near Palacio de Miraflores, prompting the activation of air defense systems in the government district.
Air defense activated over drone suspicion
According to initial reports, Venezuelan security forces activated air defense systems after detecting objects believed to be unauthorized drones flying near the Miraflores Palace. Heavy gunfire was reported as forces attempted to neutralize the perceived threat.
Ministry buildings evacuated
Several ministry buildings located in central Caracas were evacuated as a precaution. Armed soldiers were seen patrolling nearby streets, while security measures were raised to their highest level in the area surrounding government offices.
Panic scenes shared on social media
Videos circulating on social media showed civilians rushing into buildings for shelter as armed security forces deployed across the streets. Movement in the city center appeared to slow significantly amid the heightened security presence.
Government sources: Situation under control
Government sources stated that the incident was linked to unauthorized drones flying over Caracas. Authorities said gunfire was directed at these objects and that control of the situation was quickly restored.
Incident follows Rodríguez’s swearing-in
The security incident occurred only hours after former vice president Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president. Rodríguez had initially condemned Maduro’s capture in strong terms but later said her government sought diplomacy and did not want confrontation with the United States.
