To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Moment Venezuelan President Survives Terrifying Drone Assassination Attack

Moment Venezuelan President Survives Terrifying Drone Assassination Attack

Venezuelan authorities have said that seven soldiers were injured in the attack, and that several people were later arrested.

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has survived what is reported to have been a drone attack, while speaking at a military event in Caracas.

Live footage of the incident shows Maduro look up at the sky suddenly, before soldiers begin to flee in panic. Photos also show bodyguards protecting the President with shields.

Venezuelan authorities have said that seven soldiers were injured in the attack, and that several people were later arrested.

Condemning the incident as an attempted attack on the President's life, Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said: "At exactly 5:41 p.m. in the afternoon several explosions were heard. The investigation clearly reveals they came from drone-like devices that carried explosives."

In a national address that followed the attack, Maduro said: "A flying object exploded near me, a big explosion. Seconds later there was a second explosion."

He also accused neighbouring country Colombia of being involved in the 'right-wing plot' to kill him, adding: "They have tried to assassinate me and everything points to the Venezuelan ultra-right in alliance with the Colombian far right and that the name of [Columbian President] Juan Manuel Santos is behind this attack."

The Venezuelan leader has also previously accused the US of plotting against him.

PA

However, the Colombian government has denied the allegations of any involvement, saying that there is 'no basis' to Maduro's claims.

There are many other theories as to who was behind what happened.

Rodriguez has accused the right-wing opposition in Venezuela for the attack. Referring to May's presidential elections, which saw Maduro elected for another six-year term, he said: "After losing the vote, they failed again."

Hasler Inglesias - a youth leader with the opposition Voluntad Popular Party - has simply said: "We didn't know what was happening. It's hard to believe that the opposition is going to make an attempt when they have never made an attempt in this way in 20 years."

On social media, a group called Soldiers in T-shirts has said it was behind the attack, claiming that it had planned to fly two drones laden with explosives at Maduro, but that these had been shot down by the military. However, this has not been backed by any evidence.

The Associated Press also reports that three firefighters who were present at the scene actually believe the incident was a gas tank explosion inside an apartment - disputing the government's version of events.

Featured Image Credit: CNN

Topics: World News, News