A Helicopter Attacked the Supreme Court of Venezuela

According to reports, a helicopter piloted by the police attacked the Supreme Court, an institution supportive of Nicolás Maduro, the country's president, and another government building. Maduro has called this attack 'terrorist.' The recent incident reflects the escalating political crisis in Venezuela. Reuters reports that witnesses heard explosions in central Caracas, where the Supreme Court, the presidential palace, and other important government buildings are located. Other news networks have also reported the police helicopter attack, citing the Venezuelan president. The New York Times, quoting government officials, stated that the attack was carried out by a group of 'rogue police forces.' A video from the attack site shows the helicopter circling around the Supreme Court building, with explosion sounds heard from the area. Reuters also mentions that the helicopter was seen around the Ministry of Interior, where a public ceremony was taking place. One officer involved in the attack has issued a statement on social media. The Venezuelan president described the incident as a 'terrorist attack on state institutions' and noted that 'dozens could have been killed.' Maduro's opponents have long demanded that security and police forces disobey the president's orders. At the same time, some opponents have suggested on social media that the recent incident may be 'staged' to 'justify' pressures and repression amid the country's crisis. Earlier on Tuesday, July 6, Maduro warned that he and his supporters would take up arms in the event of a violent government collapse. Protesters against Maduro's policies have been staging new demonstrations and protests for several weeks. Opponents have also protested against the president's new order to review the constitution by an extraordinary body. Venezuelan NGOs have accused the government of setting up military courts for opponents. The head of the Organization of American States criticized the repression of opponents in Venezuela, stating that 'the semi-military and semi-civilian government of Venezuela represents one of the worst types of dictatorship.' Maduro, on the other hand, claims that the goal of the extraordinary body he formed to review the constitution is to create peace and tranquility in the country. He has also accused the United States of interfering in his country's affairs to access oil resources. The United States has denied allegations of interference in Venezuela's internal affairs. At least 75 people have lost their lives in recent protests.