President Nicolas Maduro is unharmed after an exploding drone “attack” interrupted his televised speech, the government has said. Maduro has blamed far-right factions for the “assassination” attempt.
A live speech by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro at a military event on Saturday was abruptly cut short after an apparent explosion.
Drones loaded with explosives detonated close to the event, Venezuelan Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said, describing it as an “attack” against the leftist leader.
Maduro and the rest of the government escaped unharmed, he said, adding that seven National Guard soldiers were injured.
Russia, Turkey and Spain issued statements condemning the apparent attack, saying they stood in support of Maduro and the people of Venezuela.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said it is “the use of terrorist methods is categorically unacceptable as instruments of political struggle.”
Far-right plot claim
Addressing Venezuelans after the incident, Maduro blamed far-right factions for the incident.
“This was an attempt to kill me. Today they attempted to assassinate me,” he said, adding that evidence gathered so far “points to the far right.”
Maduro said he believed far-right wing factions within Venezuela, working in collaboration with conspirators in Miami and Bogota, were also responsible — including Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos.
Colombia’s foreign ministry denied the government was involved, saying such allegations were “absurd” and “lacked any foundations.”
Firefighters cast doubt
But the Associated Press news agency has reported that firefighters at the scene of the explosion have disputed the government’s version of events.
The incident was actually a gas tank explosion inside an apartment, the news agency reported, citing three officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Troubled times
Venezuela is suffering from a severe recession that has sparked malnutrition, hyperinflation and mass emigration. Opponents blame Maduro for destroying a once-wealthy economy and accuse him of authoritarianism.
Last year, police officer Oscar Perez hijacked a helicopter and fired at government buildings in what he said was an action against a dictator. Perez was killed by Venezuelan forces after over six months on the run.
tj,ap/cmk (AP, Reuters)
