 "Venezuela")
By Andreina Itriago and Patricia Laya
Gunshots and blasts were heard near Venezuela’s presidential palace in downtown Caracas on Monday evening, rattling residents days after US airstrikes on the capital preceded the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
A government official told reporters that the barrage involved security forces firing warning shots at drones flying over the area without permission, adding that the country was calm.
The incident came amid heightened tension in the capital following the raid in the early hours of Saturday, which marked a dramatic escalation in Washington’s involvement in Venezuela.
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 "nicolas maduro")
 "Donald Trump, Trump")
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 "Marco Rubio")
Earlier Monday, heavily-armed security forces and pro-government motorcycle gangs known as colectivos roamed the capital, at times stopping drivers and checking their phones. Videos captured by some witnesses show motorbikes and armed civilians circling the presidential palace.
The Trump administration was closely tracking the reports of gunfire out of Venezuela Monday night, according to a White House official, who that added the US was not involved in it.
 "Mike Waltz, center, during the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 23")
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 "Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro")
