Gunfire reported near Venezuelan presidential palace after drone sightings

CARACAS: Venezuela is on high alert after the US forces carried out an airstrike and captured President Nicolas Maduro. Now, reports have emerged of a shooting near the presidential palace in Caracas on Monday night. However, government sources said the situation is under control.

According to reports, unidentified drones were seen flying over the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, and security forces opened fire at around 8 pm. The incident occurred just hours after Vice President Delcy Rodriguez took charge as Venezuela's acting president. Eyewitnesses said the shooting lasted only a few minutes and was not intense.

The United States has denied any involvement in the incident. A White House official said the reports were being closely monitored. CNN reported that the firing may have resulted from confusion between security teams stationed near the palace, though this has not been officially confirmed.

Meanwhile, following threats by US President Donald Trump that Washington would not hesitate to carry out further attacks, Delcy Rodríguez appeared to soften her stance. After initially strongly opposing Maduro’s detention, she said Venezuela is willing to cooperate with the US to ensure the safety of its people.

“We will give priority to maintaining respectful relations with the US. We invite the US government to work with us, focusing on a cooperation agenda,” Delcy Rodríguez said. All ministers in the Maduro government are continuing in their positions.