‘Mercenaries’ attack Maduro base

Valencia – Venezuela’s military was hunting a group of “mercenaries” yesterday, who made off with weapons after an attack on an army base carried out against what the attackers called the “murderous tyranny” of President Nicolas Maduro.

About 20 men were led by an army officer who had deserted troops at the base in the third city of Valencia for three hours early on Sunday, officials said.

The raid ended with two of the attackers being killed and eight captured, Maduro said on state television.

The other 10 escaped with weapons taken from the facility, according to officials, who said an “intense search” was under way for them.

Maduro claimed the “terrorist” group had ties to Colombia and the United States.

The incident heightened fears that Venezuela’s deepening political and economic crisis could explode into greater violence, perhaps open armed conflict.

Officials insisted afterwards that all was normal across the country.

Military helicopters flew overhead and tactical armoured vehicles patrolled the streets in Valencia, a major northwestern city, in a climate of tension on Sunday after the attack.

Locals said a night-time curfew had been imposed on the country.

Meanwhile, police dispersed protesters who had set up flaming barricades across roads.