Army officer steals helicopter, drops grenades on Venezuela’s Supreme Court

An army officer in a police helicopter threw two hand grenades at Venezuela's Supreme Court in the country's capital, Caracas. No casualties have been reported but the President, Nicolás Maduro, vowed to take action against the perpetrators of this 'terrorist attack.' Minutes after the attack, an army officer, Oscar Perez, uploaded an Instagram video asking people to rebel against the government's 'tyranny.' The country has been gripped by protests for the last three months. Since April 1, more than 70 people have died in protest related violence.

Venezuela’s Supreme Court came under attack by an army officer who flew a police helicopter and dropped grenades on the building. The country’s president Nicolás Maduro described it as a terrorist attack and vowed to take action against those involved.

So far, no casualties have been reported. However, the attack exposes the growing discontent between the opposition and Maduro’s socialist government. Videos on social media capture a helicopter carrying the banner, “Liberty. Article 350,” referring to the constitution which empowers citizens to stand up against any regime which functions against democracy.

Minutes after the attack, a Venezuelan army officer, Oscar Perez, appeared on Instagram and asked his countrymen to be united against “tyranny.” Perez, flanked by men in masks, said in the video, “We are a coalition of military employees, policemen and civilians who are looking for balance and are against this criminal government.”

He continued to say that they are against the government’s tyranny and not the security forces. Venezuela has been gripped by opposition rallies for the past three months. Since April 1, more than 70 people have died in protests, reported the BBC. 

The President said he has activated the army to defend the peace in the country. While making a statement from the Presidential palace, he also attacked US President Donald Trump for his alleged support for a political coup. “Listen, President Donald Trump, you have the responsibility: stop the madness of the violent Venezuelan right wing,” he said.