“Flannel Soldiers” Attempted to Kill Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

Photo from VTV CANAL 8

Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro escaped an apparent assassination attempt after several drones armed with explosives flew toward him Saturday while he was delivering a speech in Caracas.

The speech was broadcast live on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the Bolivian National Guard. The cameras caught the moment, when the president and his wife, along with others looked up to see the explosion. After that, the parade attendees scattered, running for safety.

The head of the National Assembly of Venezuela, Diosdado Cabello, called the incident “a terrorist attack on the president and higher military commanders,” accusing the political opposition of orchestrating the attack.

Vice President of Venezuela Jorge Rodriguez later commented on the situation on the news at Maduro’s request.

He said the detonated drones had carried C4 explosive and were shot by snipers before reaching the president.

Rodriguez said that president was safe and holding a meeting with government ministers and military commanders.

Seven bodyguards were wounded and taken to the hospital.

The Venezuelan armed group “Flannel Soldiers” took responsibility for the assassination attempt on Twitter.