Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro narrowly survives series of explosive attacks, accused US of being behind attack
Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro narrowly survives series of explosive drone attacks which abruptly
broke out while he was giving a speech in the crisis-hit capital of
Caracas on Saturday.
Several drones with explosives detonated close to the leader while he was addressing a crowd, according to the country’s Information Minister.
The response to the attack was broadcast by state news network NTN24 Venezuela.
A loud bang sounds from above, and he abruptly stops speaking and gazes upwards, looking startled.
A group of bodyguards then rapidly swoop in with shields to escort the leader to safety with what appear to be bullet-proof sheets.
The footage also shows hundreds of soldiers lined up as part of the procession on Avenue Bolivar, who run off in different directions after the explosion occurs.
The broadcast is then abruptly cut off.
Mr Maduro had been giving a speech during the celebration of the Nation Guard’s 81st anniversary, wearing the presidential banner.
Meanwhile, the Venezulean government has blamed the country’s far-right, the United States and Colombia for the attack.
Appearing back on state television a few hours after the incident, Mr Maduro said the explosions were part of an “assassination” attempt.
He said some of those involved were arrested and an investigation was under way.
He accused neighbouring Colombia and unidentified “financiers” in the United States for the attack, while members of his government blamed the far-right opposition.
He added that initial investigations “indicate that various of those financing it live in the United States, in the state of Florida”.
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Several drones with explosives detonated close to the leader while he was addressing a crowd, according to the country’s Information Minister.
The footage shows Mr Maduro standing alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, while he gives a speech on the country’s economy.Explicó el ministro Jorge Rodríguez que las detonaciones se produjeron "por la explosión de varios artefactos voladores, tipo Dron, que tenían una carga explosiva que detonó en las cercanías de la tarima presidencial y en algunas zonas del desfile" #3Ago https://t.co/4T2OwXEANN pic.twitter.com/BtizGL88b4— NTN24 Venezuela (@NTN24ve) August 4, 2018
A loud bang sounds from above, and he abruptly stops speaking and gazes upwards, looking startled.
A group of bodyguards then rapidly swoop in with shields to escort the leader to safety with what appear to be bullet-proof sheets.
The footage also shows hundreds of soldiers lined up as part of the procession on Avenue Bolivar, who run off in different directions after the explosion occurs.
The broadcast is then abruptly cut off.
Mr Maduro had been giving a speech during the celebration of the Nation Guard’s 81st anniversary, wearing the presidential banner.
To the conscious Venezuela, we are going to bet for the good of our country, the hour of the economic recovery has come and we need... Mr Maduro was saying before the cameras suddenly moved away from him.
Meanwhile, the Venezulean government has blamed the country’s far-right, the United States and Colombia for the attack.
Appearing back on state television a few hours after the incident, Mr Maduro said the explosions were part of an “assassination” attempt.
It was an attack to kill me, they tried to assassinate me today, he said, speaking of a “flying object (that) exploded in front of me”.
He said some of those involved were arrested and an investigation was under way.
He accused neighbouring Colombia and unidentified “financiers” in the United States for the attack, while members of his government blamed the far-right opposition.
I have no doubt that the name (Colombian President) Juan Manuel Santos is behind this attack, he said.
He added that initial investigations “indicate that various of those financing it live in the United States, in the state of Florida”.
I hope that President Donald Trump is ready to fight these terrorist groups, he said.
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