Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported in Caracas, Venezuela, on Monday night, just hours after Vice President Delcy Rodríguez took oath as interim president.The developments came after US forces arrested President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month, creating a sudden power vacuum in the country, as per the report by Hindustan Times.
Locals shared videos on social media showing armed individuals near the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas. Loud sounds of explosions and gunfire can be clearly heard in the videos circulating online. At least one of the videos has been verified and was confirmed to be from Monday evening.
Some armed people were also seen walking on rooftops near the palace during the shooting. Residents reported sustained small-arms fire starting from eastern parts of Caracas and spreading toward downtown areas, as stated by Times Now. The Venezuelan army deployed BMP-3 armored vehicles and carried out low-level military flyovers in response.
Locals speculated that Chavismo hardliners or armed Colectivo groups may be attempting a putsch, but this remains unconfirmed. Local sources reported Su-35 fighter jets scrambling from La Carlota airbase, along with F-16 alerts, as per the news reports. Some citizens claimed an “Air attack repelled” as armored army columns moved to secure the palace area.
Reports of Colectivo activity increased in the hours before the gunfire erupted. The US Embassy kept a shelter-in-place advisory active for Americans in Venezuela. Instability has continued since earlier strikes hit seven military bases after the US raid. The US Federal Aviation Administration issued NOTAMs banning flights over parts of Venezuela due to “military activity”, as stated by Times Now report. Embassies urged citizens to stay indoors as palace lights remained on through the night.
Videos showed firefights near the palace lasting about 20 minutes, raising fears of a possible coup attempt. Venezuelan army forces sealed highway off-ramps and increased troop presence across the capital. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino urged calm and normalcy, even as troops were heavily deployed. Eastern Caracas became quieter by around 10 p.m., with residents hearing claims that the clashes were “repelled.”
Global reactions followed quickly, with Russia and China condemning the situation as “barbarism.” European leaders called for restraint, while uncertainty continued on the streets of Caracas. This remains a developing situation, with authorities yet to issue a full official explanation.
Gunfire was reported after President Nicolás Maduro’s arrest, as tensions rose during the sudden change in leadership in Venezuela.
Q2. Who is leading Venezuela now after the clashes in Caracas?
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has taken charge as interim president for a limited period.
Locals shared videos on social media showing armed individuals near the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas. Loud sounds of explosions and gunfire can be clearly heard in the videos circulating online. At least one of the videos has been verified and was confirmed to be from Monday evening.
Gunfire near Presidential Palace
Other videos showed men with guns on streets near the Miraflores Palace. However, Ht.com has not confirmed if these videos are real. Around 8:30 p.m. local time, loud gunfire was heard near the presidential palace in Caracas. The night sky lit up as anti-aircraft fire was seen. Many people shared videos on social media showing bright flashes and bullets flying into the sky over Avenida Urdaneta.Maduro arrest and power shift
The clashes followed the January 3 capture of Nicolás Maduro by US Delta Force from the Fuerte Tiuna bunker. After Maduro’s arrest, Venezuela’s Supreme Court named Delcy Rodríguez interim president for 90 days. Rodríguez condemned US actions as “aggression” but also signaled willingness for dialogue.Locals speculated that Chavismo hardliners or armed Colectivo groups may be attempting a putsch, but this remains unconfirmed. Local sources reported Su-35 fighter jets scrambling from La Carlota airbase, along with F-16 alerts, as per the news reports. Some citizens claimed an “Air attack repelled” as armored army columns moved to secure the palace area.
Global reaction and ongoing tension
Gunfire was also heard again in eastern Caracas even as authorities said the “situation under control.” No official casualty numbers or responsibility claims were released by early morning. Rodríguez’s softer tone and calls for calm reportedly angered hardliners within the ruling camp. Maduro’s son, Nicolás Guerra, warned about the dangers of setting a “kidnapping precedent.”Reports of Colectivo activity increased in the hours before the gunfire erupted. The US Embassy kept a shelter-in-place advisory active for Americans in Venezuela. Instability has continued since earlier strikes hit seven military bases after the US raid. The US Federal Aviation Administration issued NOTAMs banning flights over parts of Venezuela due to “military activity”, as stated by Times Now report. Embassies urged citizens to stay indoors as palace lights remained on through the night.
Videos showed firefights near the palace lasting about 20 minutes, raising fears of a possible coup attempt. Venezuelan army forces sealed highway off-ramps and increased troop presence across the capital. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino urged calm and normalcy, even as troops were heavily deployed. Eastern Caracas became quieter by around 10 p.m., with residents hearing claims that the clashes were “repelled.”
Global reactions followed quickly, with Russia and China condemning the situation as “barbarism.” European leaders called for restraint, while uncertainty continued on the streets of Caracas. This remains a developing situation, with authorities yet to issue a full official explanation.
FAQs
Q1. Why was there gunfire in Caracas after Maduro’s arrest?Gunfire was reported after President Nicolás Maduro’s arrest, as tensions rose during the sudden change in leadership in Venezuela.
Q2. Who is leading Venezuela now after the clashes in Caracas?
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has taken charge as interim president for a limited period.
