Heavy gunfire and reports of suspicious drone activity near Venezuela’s presidential palace raised new security fears in Caracas on Tuesday night, as the country remains tense after the US-led operation that led to the capture and removal of President Nicolas Maduro.
Gunshots and drones near Miraflores Palace
Witnesses quoted by AFP said gunshots were heard close to the Miraflores presidential palace in central Caracas around 8:00 pm local time (0000 GMT). The sounds sparked panic across the area.
At the same time, BNO News cited the White House as saying the United States was “not involved” in the unrest reported near the palace.
A government source told AFP that unidentified drones were spotted flying over the palace compound. This prompted security forces to open fire in response to the perceived threat. Later, the source said the situation was brought under control, though no details were released about possible damage or injuries.
Citywide disturbance reported
BNO News reported that heavy gunfire was heard in several parts of Caracas for about 45 minutes, including neighbourhoods close to the presidential palace. Residents also reported hearing what sounded like drones or aircraft during the incident.
Some areas of the city experienced power cuts during the disturbance. However, authorities did not immediately explain what caused the shooting or the aerial activity.
Tensions rise after Maduro’s capture
The incident comes at a time of extreme political and security tension in Venezuela. This follows the swearing-in of Delcy Rodriguez as interim president after Maduro was captured and taken out of the country.
Rodriguez, a close ally of Maduro, assumed power after US military forces arrested the former leader during a weekend operation and transferred him to the United States.
Emergency decree grants sweeping powers
Earlier on Monday, the Venezuelan government issued a decree declaring a State of External Commotion, according to CNN. The move gives wide-ranging powers to the presidency and instructs security forces to take action against anyone accused of helping the US-led operation.
The decree orders national, state and municipal police to “immediately undertake the search and capture throughout the national territory of any person involved in the promotion or support” of what it calls an armed attack by the United States against Venezuela.
CNN reported that the decree was dated Saturday and signed by Maduro on the same day he was captured by US forces. It was later approved by interim president Rodriguez.
Although the decree had originally been drafted and announced in late September, after the US began deploying warships in the Caribbean, its details were not released at the time. The document was later updated to reflect the latest developments following Maduro’s arrest.
The emergency measure will remain in force for 90 days, with the option to extend it for another 90 days.
Under Venezuela’s Constitution, such a declaration allows the president to exercise almost total control over political, economic and social matters during situations that seriously threaten national security, public safety, or state institutions. This is the first time this power has been used since the Constitution took effect in 1999.
Maduro faces US court as Switzerland freezes assets
Meanwhile, Nicolas Maduro appeared before a federal court in New York on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to several criminal charges.
In another major development, Switzerland announced it had frozen any assets linked to Maduro that are held in the country. Swiss authorities said that if those assets are found to be illegal, efforts will be made to ensure they are used for the benefit of the Venezuelan people.
