BELMOPAN, Belize (CMC) — The Belize Government says it condemns the plot to assassinate Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday and reiterates a position that the South American country “is part of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace”.

Venezuelan Interior Minister Néstor Reverol said that President Maduro had survived the assassination as he was speaking at an event to mark the anniversary of the National Guard on Sunday.

A bang was heard and footage of his speech showed the president suddenly looking upwards and dozens of soldiers running away.

Two drones loaded with explosives went off near the president’s stand, Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez said.

Maduro has warned the perpetrators face “maximum punishment” and blamed Colombia for the incident but provided no evidence. Colombia said the accusation was “baseless”.

A little-known group called Soldiers in T-shirts said on social media that it was behind the alleged attack.

The claim was not backed up by any evidence, and the group did not respond to media requests for comment.

In a statement, the Belize Government said it “laments and condemns acts of violence against a head of State, officials and the broader populace, such as those regrettably witnessed on August 4, 2018 in Caracas, Venezuela.

“Belize extends its well wishes to President Maduro, his spouse and child, to all those present, and especially to those injured in yesterday’s attack,” the statement said, adding that “at this difficult time, it is important to recall that Venezuela is a part of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, and that our countries and people deserve to reach political, social and economic development through peaceful means alone”.

Maduro has been facing calls for his removal from office and has accused the United States of leading the effort to oust his socialist Government.