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What Inspired the Helicopter Attack in Caracas?

Jun 28, 2017 | 20:23 GMT

Venezuela Supreme Court grenade attack Caracas Nicolas Maduro unrest coup rumors

A member of the Venezuelan National Guard walks past that the Supreme Court building in Caracas on June 28, 2017. Venezuela has been on alert since a police detective claimed responsibility for a grenade attack on the Supreme Court on June 27, demanding the embattled president quit.

(FEDERICO PARRA/AFP/Getty Images)

Summary

The day after an apparently rogue police helicopter flew over government buildings, dropping hand grenades on the Supreme Court, theories abound about what the incident means for Venezuela's future. It is clear that the attack was not part of a coordinated effort, but it could have been intended to spur broader action by the armed forces and by the dissatisfied Venezuelan public. Therefore, it should be judged not by its short-term ineffectiveness, but by its place in the broader crisis.

The day after an apparently rogue police helicopter flew over government buildings, dropping hand grenades on the Supreme Court, theories abound about what the incident means for Venezuela's future. It is clear that the attack was not part of a coordinated effort, but it was likely intended to spur broader action by the armed forces and by the dissatisfied Venezuelan public. Therefore, it should be judged not by its short-term ineffectiveness, but by its place in the broader crisis....

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