Gunfire was reported near Venezuela’s presidential palace in central Caracas on Monday, prompting the evacuation of nearby government buildings and raising fresh concerns over security in the capital.

According to media reports and a source close to the Venezuelan government, unidentified drones were detected flying over the presidential palace complex. In response, security forces opened fire, leading to audible gunshots in the surrounding area. Authorities moved quickly to secure the zone, and several government facilities were evacuated as a precaution.

The source said the situation was brought under control shortly afterward, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Officials have not yet identified who was operating the drones or their purpose, but the incident triggered a rapid security response amid already heightened political and military tensions in the country.

The drone sighting near one of Venezuela’s most sensitive locations underscores the volatile atmosphere following recent upheaval in the nation’s leadership and ongoing concerns about internal stability. While authorities sought to project calm by declaring the situation contained, the use of live fire in the heart of Caracas reflects the seriousness with which the threat was treated.

Further details are expected as security services continue to assess the incident and determine the origin and intent of the drones involved.