Venezuela claims drones attacked the president, but some officials say otherwise

This is a developing story.

Earlier this evening, it appeared as if there had been an attack on the Venezuelan government.

Footage from around 6pm Caracas time showed president Nicolas Maduro giving a speech outside, then a scene of confusion, followed by crowds of troops scattering.

“Investigations have identified the source to be drones containing explosive charges that detonated near the parade’s presidential platform,” information minister Jorge Rodriguez said afterwards. He added that Maduro was unharmed but seven troops were injured.

But two and a half hours later, officials speaking anonymously with the Associated Press called the incident an accident from an apartment gas tank explosion.

In an address given around 9pm local time, Maduro doubled down and called the incident “an attack on my life,” accusing the Venezuelan “far right” of working with Colombia, and named Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos specifically.