Two drones loaded with explosives detonated near Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday, authorities have confirmed.
Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez says Maduro was not harmed.
However, Rodriguez said seven soldiers were injured in what he described as an attempt on Maduro’s life.
According to officials, the explosions detonated while Maduro was delivering a televised speech at an event in the capital Caracas to mark the 81st anniversary of the Venezuelan army.
Media reports say during the speech Maduro and other officials suddenly looked upwards with startled expressions.
Seconds later, dozens of soldiers were seen running away before the broadcast was cut off, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported.
The BBC said loud bangs could also be heard in the footage.
Rodriguez accused the country’s right-wing opposition of carrying out the attack.
“After losing the vote, they failed again,” he said.
He was referring to May’s presidential elections, where Maduro was re-elected for another six-year term.
Rodriguez also said that the injured soldiers were being treated in hospitals while the president was meeting his ministers and military commanders.
