Saturday, March 29, 2025
Caracas, January 6, 2026 – Venezuela’s capital Caracas has once again echoed with explosions and gunfire in an apparent drone attack on the Miraflores Presidential Palace. Reports indicate several drones were spotted hovering over the palace late Monday night (local time), prompting security forces to open heavy fire around 8 PM. Social media videos show intense shooting near the palace and streets filled with security personnel.
This marks the second major incident following Saturday’s alleged U.S. attack and the reported capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Government sources told AFP that the situation is now under control, but Caracas streets remain on high alert. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) claim the downtown area is engulfed in armed clashes.
Tensions are escalating rapidly in Caracas. The Miraflores Palace is reportedly encircled by armored vehicles, with anti-aircraft batteries firing at drones. The city has plunged into darkness as security forces impose tighter lockdowns. One X post states, “Caracas’ downtown is trapped in armed clashes with heavy gunfire between security forces.”
Amid the chaos, former Maduro administration Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president. National Assembly leader Jorge Rodríguez administered the oath. Raising her hand, Rodríguez said, “I share the grief of Venezuela’s people after the illegal military attack and the abduction of two heroes.”
Meanwhile, Nicolás Maduro and his wife appeared in a New York federal court on Tuesday. Addressing U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in Lower Manhattan, Maduro pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and weapons charges. “I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a good man,” he stated, adding that he remains Venezuela’s president. The events have spread widespread panic across the country.
