Iran Strongly Condemns Assassination Attempt on Venezuelan President

In a statement on Sunday, Qassemi condemned the attempt and described it as a move to create instability and insecurity in Venezuela.

He also said that the attempt served the interests of the enemies of the Venezuelan government and nation.

The Venezuelan president says he has survived an assassination attempt involving explosive drones. Maduro was speaking at a military event in Caracas when the alleged attack occurred.

Live footage of his speech shows the president suddenly looking upwards – startled – and dozens of soldiers running away.

Maduro accused neighbouring Colombia and elements within the US of instigating “a right-wing plot” to kill him, but Bogota has denied it as “baseless” accusation.

Seven soldiers were injured, and several people were later arrested, the Venezuelan authorities said.

Two drones loaded with explosives went off near the president’s stand, Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez said.

Photos on social media showed bodyguards protecting Maduro with bulletproof shields after the alleged attack.

Meanwhile, a little-known group called Soldiers in T-shirts said on social media that it was behind the alleged attack.

It said it had planned to fly two explosives-laden drones at Maduro, but they were shot down by the military.

The claim was not backed up by any evidence, and the group did not respond to media requests for comment.