Tensions escalated in Venezuela’s capital on Monday after reports of shots being fired near the Miraflores presidential palace, just hours after Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as the country’s interim president, according to international media reports.
Reportedly, unidentified drones were seen flying over central Caracas, prompting Venezuelan security forces to respond. The incident unfolded shortly after Rodriguez took the oath of office. The incident has raised concerns over security and stability amid a rapidly shifting political landscape.
The reported gunfire and drone activity near the presidential palace highlight the fragile and volatile situation in Venezuela as the country navigates a sudden leadership change under intense international scrutiny.
Delcy officially takes office as interim president
Venezuela’s National Assembly formally swore in Delcy Rodriguez yesterday following the dramatic capture of her predecessor, President Nicolas Maduro, by United States forces over the weekend. Maduro was subsequently transferred to New York to face trial, a move that has drawn sharp reactions from Caracas and its allies.
The oath was administered by Rodriguez’s brother, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez. In her address, Delcy Rodriguez said she was assuming office as the executive vice president of the “constitutional president” Nicolas Maduro, describing his arrest as a “kidnapping” and expressing anguish over the detention of both
Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.
Soon after the ceremony, ambassadors from China, Russia and Iran, key allies of Venezuela, were among the first to congratulate Rodriguez. China’s Ambassador Lan Hu embraced her, followed by Russian Ambassador Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov, while Iran’s Ambassador Ali Chegini bowed in a gesture of respect. The three diplomats stood together during the swearing-in, underscoring their governments’ support.
China, Russia, and Iran have all condemned the US military operation that led to Maduro’s capture and extradition to the United States.
Meanwhile, supporters of the ousted president took to the streets of Caracas as Rodriguez assumed office. Hundreds of demonstrators waving Venezuelan flags and carrying placards in support of Maduro gathered in the capital. Maduro, who has pleaded not guilty in a New York court, continues to command loyalty among sections of the population, particularly within the ruling chavismo movement.