Shots and explosions were heard in the proximity of the Palacio de Miraflores in Venezuela, the main government building in the capital of Caracas, according to Spanish-language news outlets on Monday.

Initial reports indicated that heavy gunfire was deployed against what appeared to be drones near the main government building, and that the city's main ministries were evacuated, according to the South American site Infobae.

The official response by the government said that drones illegally flew over Caracas, with police officers firing shots in response to the sightings, according to Argentinian news outlet TN.

The shootings began at 8.00 p.m. local time (GMT-4), with videos surfacing of people running into and hiding in stores and buildings, while heavy gunfire is heard in the background.