Venezuela's Maduro says Colombia was behind drone attack

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00:54

‍Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said he survived an assassination attempt involving explosive drones on Saturday thanks to God, the people and the country's armed forces, and he blamed Colombia and the United States for what he called a right-wing plot to kill him.

"It was an attack to kill me, they tried to assassinate me today," Maduro said in a later state broadcast, speaking of a "flying object (that) exploded in front of me."

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He argued "everything points" to a right-wing plot that initial investigation suggested originated in neighboring Colombia.

"I have no doubt that the name (Colombian President) Juan Manuel Santos is behind this attack."

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."

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks during a meeting with government officials at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela, August 4, 2018. /VCG Photo

State television images showed Maduro looking up disconcertedly in the middle of a speech when a bang was heard, then uniformed members of Venezuela's National Guard lined up in a parade suddenly breaking ranks and scattering.

No drones could be seen in the television broadcast, which showed bodyguards jumping in front of Maduro to protect him with flexible ballistic shields.

Several perpetrators were caught, Maduro said, without elaborating.

Security forces check a nearby building after an explosion was heard while Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was attending a ceremony to celebrate the 81st anniversary of the National Guard, in Caracas on August 4, 2018. /VCG Photo

"That drone was coming for me but there was a shield of love," he said. "I am sure I will live for many more years."

Drone attack

Drones loaded with explosives detonated close to a military event where Maduro was giving a speech in the capital city of Caracas on Saturday. Maduro and the rest of the government escaped unharmed in what the country's Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said was an "attack" against the president.

Seven National Guard soldiers were injured, Rodriguez added.

Screengrab taken from a handout video released by Venezuelan Television (VTV) showing uniformed military members breaking ranks and scattering after a loud bang was heard during a ceremony to celebrate the 81st anniversary of the National Guard in Caracas on August 4, 2018. /VCG Photo

The broadcast by Maduro was cut short during Saturday's outdoor speech and soldiers were seen running before the televised transmission was cut off.

While Maduro was speaking about Venezuela's economy, the audio suddenly went out.

The camera then panned to scores of soldiers who started running, before the transmission was cut.

"That drone was coming for me but there was a shield of love," he said. "I am sure I will live for many more years."

(With inputs from agencies)