Panic Ensues as Explosion Cuts Maduro’s Speech (+Video)
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Video shows the moment Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro was targeted by drones laden with explosives during speech. The authorities confirmed the incident was an attempted assassination.
Communications Minister Jorge Rodríguez called the incident an "attack" on the leader, reports The Associated Press, and said seven National Guard soldiers were injured.
Maduro had been addressing the national troops about the country's economy during an event the government says was meant to mark the 81st anniversary of the country's National Guard, NPR reported.
Footage posted on Twitter by Venezuela channel NTN24 TV shows the moment the scene descended into chaos before the broadcast was cut off. Maduro is seen looking toward the sky in confusion. What looks to be hundreds of soldiers break formation before scattering.
Maduro blamed the attack on far-right factions in Venezuela, in addition to the US and Colombian governments, freelance reporter John Otis tells NPR.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro spoke at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Saturday, after surviving an apparent assassination attempt just hours earlier, while giving a speech at a military event in the capital.
