Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Caracas experienced a tense night early Tuesday following reports of gunfire near the presidential palace, Miraflores, after unidentified drones were spotted flying over the capital. Venezuelan military forces activated air defenses, and witnesses reported heavy gunfire and explosions in the vicinity of the government complex. Authorities later said the situation was under control, with security forces confirming that shots were primarily warning fire and no direct clashes occurred.
This incident comes just two days after US forces captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cecilia Flores, in a highly controversial operation that involved a heavy military presence and aerial strikes in the Venezuelan capital. The arrests, which transferred Maduro to the United States, have ignited widespread international condemnation.
The United Nations expressed deep concern over the operation, warning that it undermined fundamental principles of international law. Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated that no country should threaten or use force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another nation, dismissing US claims that the operation was justified by alleged human rights abuses under Maduro’s regime.
The US intervention was also criticized during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, where both allies and opponents of Washington voiced strong objections. Some diplomats highlighted President Donald Trump’s recent statements suggesting the possibility of extending military actions to other South American countries, including Mexico and Colombia, citing alleged drug trafficking concerns.
Locally, the Venezuelan population reacted with apprehension, particularly in neighboring Cuba. Many Cubans, who rely heavily on Venezuelan oil, fear economic deterioration following Maduro’s removal. Citizens described uncertainty and anticipated a difficult 2026 due to potential disruptions in fuel supplies and the loss of a close political ally.
Eyewitness accounts in Caracas described brief flashes of red lights in the sky and sounds resembling distant explosions. A local resident told reporters that the activity lasted only about a minute, with no visible aircraft beyond the lights, and that the city returned to calm shortly afterward.
The drone sighting and gunfire underscore heightened tensions in the capital following unprecedented US intervention, raising concerns about the stability of Venezuela and the broader region. International responses, particularly from the UN, have signaled alarm at potential violations of sovereignty and highlighted the risks of escalating military actions in South America.
