Venezuela's Maduro escapes 'assassination attempt'

August 05, 2018 08:46

An explosive drone went off in Caracas when President Nicolas Maduro was addressing a live televised speech, said the Venezuelan officials.

Venezuela Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez termed the incident as an attempt on Maduro's life, reported the Radio New Zealand.

Maduro was unharmed, but seven soldiers sustained injuries in the incident.

The Venezuelan President was speaking at the celebration of the National Guard's 81st anniversary when he was reportedly attacked.

Maduro abruptly cut short a televised speech and soldiers present broke ranks and scattered after hearing several explosions.

However, firefighters near the scene disputed the government's version of events.

Maduro was giving a speech yesterday in the capital of Caracas during a celebration of the National Guard's 81st anniversary.

Later, Maduro said he escaped an 'assassination' attempt using an explosive-laden drone, and accuses neighboring Colombia and unidentified financiers in the United States.

IMAGE: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro reacts during an event which was interrupted, in this still frame taken from video, in Caracas, Venezuela. Photograph: Venezuelan Government TV/Handout via Reuters

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

3 of 5 top rank holders are IPS trainees, 1,016 qualify for civil services

A total of 1,016 candidates -- 664 men and 352 women -- have qualified in the examination and have been recommended by the Union Public Service Commission for appointment to various services.

Aadhaar, bike documents helped cops identify Salman home shooters

After identifying the duo, the police used human and technical intelligence to track them.

In Pictures - Buttler ton as Royals pull off biggest IPL chase to beat KKR

Rajasthan Royals pulled off the highest run chase in the history of IPL to edge Kolkata Knight Riders by two wickets.

Ayodhya set for Ram Lalla's Surya tilak on first Ram Navami post-consecration

This would be the first Ram Navami since the consecration of the Ram idol at the new temple, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22. The system was tested by the scientists on Tuesday.

Kejriwal, Jain, Sisodia on AAP's star campaigners list for Gujarat

Names of Rajya Sabha MPs Harbhajan Singh and Swati Maliwal are missing from the list.