Gunfire near Venezuela's presidential palace a 'false alarm'

發佈日期: 2026-01-06 20:50

TVB News

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A drone reportedly flew close to the presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, triggering air defence systems and heavy gunfire. Local media, however, said the drone belonged to the Venezuelan military.

Heavy gunfire and explosions were heard near the presidential palace in Caracas, the Venezuelan capital on Monday night. Tanks and infantry fighting vehicles were seen on the streets.

Witnesses say a drone flew close to the presidential palace and the noise triggered the air defence system, which lasted for several minutes.

However, it was a false alarm according to local media, with the drone actually belonging to the military.

NBC News quoted White House officials as saying that the US was not involved in the shooting.

They believe a misunderstanding arose because of a lack of communication between different security teams.

The president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Caracas, said a colleague working in a warehouse said gunshots were heard after 8pm.

He said the Chinese embassy in Caracas has asked people to avoid going out at night and be wary when operating businesses during the day. No evacuation of Chinese citizens has been organised.

He said such an exercise would be impossible given the fact that more than 200,000 ethnic Chinese live in the country.

The Chinese population are deeply rooted in Venezuela, many owning property there.

He said if the situation worsens, he believes the embassy will allow Chinese citizens to take temporary refuge.