Gunfire and anti-aircraft fire seen in videos over the Venezuelan capital Caracas Monday evening comes as the city is on edge and security services on heightened alert following the US attack and capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
Video verified by CNN shows anti-aircraft fire over the Caracas. In separate video verified by CNN audible gunfire could also be heard amid reports of confusion between security units in the capital.
One resident, who spoke to CNN on condition of anonymity, said they heard gunfire close to Urdaneta Ave near the Miraflores presidential palace.
Venezuela’s Ministry of Communication and Information said police fired at drones that were “flying without permission.”
“No confrontation occurred, and the entire country is completely calm,” the ministry said. It did not say who might have been flying the drones.
A White House official told CNN they are closely tracking the reports of gunfire out of Venezuela, but noted that “the US is not involved.”
“Misunderstanding”: Discussions between paramilitary groups associated with the regime and heard by CNN indicate the gunfire was related to ongoing confusion between different security groups operating near the Miraflores presidential palace.
A member of one of these groups, called colectivos, can be heard calling for support and backup, following “confrontations” at the palace and that “several shots were heard.”
Then, another member can be heard saying there was a “misunderstanding” and confusion after shots were fired. The speaker said the situation was now calm.
Later, what appears to be the first speaker said that a drone that had been flying in the area was fired upon by members of the Miraflores Police and palace security, but the situation was now “under control.”