The gunshots heard near Venezuela's presidential palace on Monday were fired by the police in response to unauthorized flight of drones over the area, according to Venezuela's Ministry of Popular Power for Transportation and Communications.

The ministry added that no exchange of gunfire or clashes took place at the scene and that the overall situation nationwide remains stable, with the public order functioning normally.

Intense gunfire and explosions were heard in downtown Caracas earlier on Monday, including in areas near the presidential palace. Venezuelan government buildings were evacuated amid the incident, which came after the January-3 U.S. military strikes on Venezuela and capture of President Nicolas Maduro.

According to media reports, power outages occurred in some parts of the city.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

1. Various of security forces on local street