Heavy gunfire was reported near Venezuela’s Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas on Monday night, just days after former president Nicolás Maduro was captured and taken to the United States.
Videos obtained by CNN showed what appeared to be drone lights and anti-aircraft fire illuminating the night sky near the palace. The White House denied any involvement in the incident.
CNN later reported that the gunfire stemmed from a “misunderstanding,” with discussions among paramilitary groups linked to the regime indicating confusion between different security units operating near the presidential complex.
Earlier on Monday, Maduro was flown to New York, where he was seen handcuffed and escorted by armed federal agents after spending the night in a federal jail in Brooklyn. He was later produced before a Manhattan court to face criminal charges.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro had been brought to the United States to “face justice,” while the administration described the operation as a law-enforcement action rather than a military campaign. “All personnel involved acted professionally, decisively, and in strict accordance with US law and established protocols,” Bondi said.
Maduro pleaded not guilty during his court appearance. His lawyers said they would challenge the legality of the US operation.
The arrest followed Operation Absolute Resolve, a covert mission launched last week to capture the Venezuelan leader and his wife in Caracas. The operation reportedly involved US law-enforcement personnel and special forces, including Delta Force, and used more than 150 aircraft from multiple locations. Maduro was flown to New York and formally arraigned in Manhattan.
After the mission, US President Donald Trump said the United States would “run” Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later clarified that Washington does not intend to govern Venezuela, but will impose blockades on its oil sector.
