Supreme Court of Venezuela attacked
June 28, 2017 | Expert Insights
On 28th June 2017, a helicopter dropped four grenades on the Supreme Court of Venezuela and 15 shots were fired at the interior ministry. President Nicholas Maduro termed the attack as “terrorist attack”. In his address to the public, Mr. Maduro added that one of the grenades failed to detonate which could have resulted in severe damage. No injuries were reported.
Background
As per reports Oscar Pérez who claims to be a police officer in a video posted post the attack is suspected to have flown the police helicopter around the city prior to the attack. The aircraft was stolen earlier as per reports. In the video Pérez dressed in military uniform along with masked men carrying arms issued statements urging the citizens of Venezuela to oppose the tyranny of the government. He further called the government a “criminal government”. He clarified that the attack was initiated by likeminded police officers, military personnel’s and civilians against the government and not against the armed forces of the country.
Analysis
Venezuela witnessed the attack on its Supreme amidst the ongoing protests and rallies against the current government. For the past two months, the citizens have been rallying daily, raising their concerns over the economic and political crisis in the country. As per reports around 70 people died when violence erupted during the anti-government protests. As tension escalates in the country the President has alerted the armed forces of the country to prevent any such attack in the future.
Assessment
Though the President insists the attack to be an act of terrorism, concerns of attempted coup are on the rise. Venezuela has a history of attempted coups. This could be a step taken by the agitated citizens to replace the government with a new one that could solve their issues. The other issue which needs to be focused on is that the citizens are no longer resorting to peaceful protest. Though no injuries were reported, the entire attack could have caused mass destruction of property and lives. Violence is not the solution to the problem at hand. Violence will only aggravate the tension in the country. The government must address the issues of the citizens and not quell their concerns without listening to them. Only when the leaders of the country listen to the ones who elected them will there be harmony in the country.
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