The Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro tweeted his thanks for the loyalty of the National Guard soldiers who protected him, saying he is “standing and victorious”.
CARACAS: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was delivering a speech on the economy in Caracas when at least two explosions were heard. He cut short his address as hundreds of soldiers broke rank in fear.
President Nicolas Maduro is blaming far-right factions in Venezuela for what he is describing as an assassination attempt.
His wife, Cilia Flores, was standing next to him on a stage for the celebration of the National Guard’s 81st anniversary and could be seen on live state television wincing and looking up after the sound.
Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said that several drones armed with explosives detonated near Maduro as he was delivering a speech.
Maduro said he believed Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos was also responsible.He added police had made arrests in the incident but did not immediately provide any further details.
The Colombian government has denied any involvement, saying there is “no basis” to Mr Maduro’s allegations. Santos has become one of Maduro’s most outspoken critics.
Seven journalists from state television stations VIVOplay and TVVenezuela, who were filming Saturday’s speech, were quickly taken away with their equipment, other journalists in the capital said.
Maduro took over from Hugo Chavez after his death in 2013, plunging the country into severe economic crisis which has resulted in malnutrition, hyperinflation and mass emigration.
