CARACAS, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan Minister of Defense Vladimir Padrino Lopez on Sunday condemned the assassination attempt against President Nicolas Maduro and proclaimed the military's unfaltering loyalty to the president.
Lopez called the attempt a "terrorist act" and a "desperate act" that are part of "destabilizing plans" to overthrow Maduro's government, which is "constitutionally legitimate and elected by the popular vote."
The defense minister addressed the nation during a televised event in which he said in a prepared statement that the government decried the attack and these acts were perpetrated "with the help of Venezuela's far right."
He emphasized that the military along with state security agencies would conduct a thorough investigation to identify who is responsible for the attack.
Lopez said under no circumstances would the Venezuelan military accept the violation of national sovereignty and the military would remain unscathed "in their unconditional support and unfettered loyalty" to Maduro.
Lopez warned that no government that attempts to take power through undemocratic means will receive the support of the Venezuelan military. "Any group that undertakes this type of criminal act will receive a forceful response from us," he added.
The assassination attempt took place Saturday night when several drone-type devices carrying explosives came close to the presidential stand where Maduro was giving a speech. Maduro and the top government officials who were standing alongside him were unharmed, but seven soldiers were injured as a result of the blast.
Venezuelan authorities announced Sunday that they've arrested six individuals suspected of involvement in the assassination attempt and more arrests will be done.
