Gunfire Heard Near Venezuelan Presidential Palace Following Maduro’s Arrest

Heavy gunfire has been reported around Venezuela’s presidential palace shortly after U.S. forces took former president Nicolas Maduro into custody. CNN mentioned on Monday that “gunshots were heard tonight near the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas,” sharing footage that seemed to depict “light and anti-aircraft fire from a drone.”

Subsequent reports indicated that the shooting may have been triggered by an incident involving a drone. According to Visegrad 24, “A friendly drone came too close to the Miraflores Palace, triggering a response from the Presidential Guard.” They further noted that the guards may have mistaken their own drone for a threat.

Video footage of the incident has surfaced on social media platforms.

In related news, Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, has called for cooperation with the United States in light of her former boss, Nicolas Maduro’s, arrest. She stated, “I call on the U.S. government to work together on a cooperative agenda for common development” just hours after the Trump administration declared her interim president.

Maduro, who has been described as an autocratic leader, faces charges related to drug trafficking and had a $50 million bounty on his head. U.S. courts previously accused him of being a key figure in a drug trafficking operation known as the Sunshine Cartel, which has been attempting to “flood” the United States with cocaine.

Rodriguez has been Maduro’s vice president since 2018, overseeing the oil-dependent economy of Venezuela. She is viewed as a crucial figure in the current situation, as she appears to be in control despite international pressure on the regime.

The Trump administration warned that Rodriguez could face even stricter consequences than Maduro if she does not comply with U.S. expectations during the ongoing transition period. “If she doesn’t do the right thing, she will pay a very high price,” Trump indicated in comments made over the phone.