Venezuela's Maduro after alleged assassination attempt: 'I'm alive and victorious'

(CNN)Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro emerged on his country's national TV hours after what he called an "attempt against his life" on Saturday and pointed blame at far-right elements and Colombia's outgoing president, Juan Manuel Santos.

"I'm alive and victorious," he said.

Opponents slam Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's election victory as a sham

Maduro spoke to the nation a few hours after being evacuated from a stage in Caracas, where he was in mid-speech at an event to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Venezuelan National Guard.

He says a device exploded right in front of him.

"There was a big explosion," adding that he initially thought it was fireworks as part of the parade. Seconds later there was a second blast, he said.

"They have tried to assassinate me today," he added.

Venezuela's Minister of Communication, Jorge Rodriguez, said preliminary information showed the explosions came from several "drone-type flying devices" containing explosive charges that detonated in the vicinity of the presidential stage and in some areas of the parade.

Seven members of the Venezuelan National Guard were hurt during the attack.

A photo posted on Twitter by Freddy Nanez, head of the Venezuelan state run news channel VTV, shows bodyguards shielding Maduro following the explosions.

News Courtesy: www.cnn.com