India, Jan. 6 -- Heavy gunfire and reports of suspicious drone activity near Venezuela's presidential palace raised new security fears in Caracas on Tuesday night, as the country remains tense after the US-led operation that led to the capture and removal of President Nicolas Maduro.

Witnesses quoted by AFP said gunshots were heard close to the Miraflores presidential palace in central Caracas around 8:00 pm local time (0000 GMT). The sounds sparked panic across the area.

At the same time, BNO News cited the White House as saying the United States was "not involved" in the unrest reported near the palace.

A government source told AFP that unidentified drones were spotted flying over the palace compound. This prompted security forces to...