CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan investigators hunting for assailants behind a failed attempt to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro with explosives-laden drones have raided hotels and seized vehicles while grilling six suspects for details of the plot.
The socialist government alleged Sunday that the detained suspects conspired with others in Miami and the capital of neighboring Colombia, though they offered no specific evidence. Opposition leaders criticized Maduro for broadly singling out his political opponents, and they warned that he might use the attack to further suppress his critics.
Maduro and his allies call the attack direct proof an international plot to overthrow his socialist administration exists, while also saying the military’s response shows he still has the loyalty of Venezuela’s soldiers.
Analysts say the images broadcast live of the attack made Maduro appear vulnerable.