Drones were reportedly detected in the airspace above the Palacio de Miraflores in Caracas on Monday night, sparking panic in parts of the Venezuelan capital amid reports of gunfire and street clashes.
Spanish-language media outlets first reported that unidentified drones were flying near the presidential palace, prompting a security response.
The Venezuelan government later confirmed that the drones were illegally operating over Caracas and that police fired warning shots in an attempt to contain the situation.
Initial accounts suggested that heavy gunfire was directed at what appeared to be the drones near key government buildings, with several ministries reportedly evacuated, according to South American news site Infobae.
The incident began around 8:00 p.m. local time (GMT-4). Videos circulating on social media showed residents running for cover and hiding inside shops and buildings as sustained gunfire echoed in the background.
Additional footage showed armed soldiers patrolling streets near the Palacio de Miraflores. At the time, authorities had yet to issue a detailed public explanation of the events.
However, an AFP report citing Venezuelan officials later said the situation was under control and described the incident as a communication error within the armed forces.
The security scare occurred just hours after Delcy Rodríguez, former vice president under Nicolás Maduro, was sworn in as Venezuela’s new president on Monday.
Rodríguez assumed office following the capture of Maduro by US special forces on Saturday.
She initially condemned the arrest, describing it as a “zionist attack,” but later softened her tone, stating that Venezuela intended to pursue peaceful cooperation with the United States and President Donald Trump.
Speaking to NBC News on Monday, Trump said “the US is not at war with Venezuela,” while cautioning that the country’s political crisis would not be resolved quickly.
He added that elections would not take place within the next 30 days, noting that the most optimistic timeline would be 18 months.
