CARACAS, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Venezuelan government sympathizers on Monday rallied to show support for President Nicolas Maduro following weekend drone blasts that he called an assassination attempt, but the socialist leader surprised the crowd by skipping the event. Maduro, whose approval ratings hover around 25 percent, with opponents blaming his policies for worsening an economic meltdown, has called government supporters to unite in the face of what he described as right-wing plots led by the neighboring Colombian government and exiles in the United States. “[F]irst elements of the investigation point towards Bogota.”

However, in a statement, the Colombian foreign ministry described Maduro’s indication as “absurd” and “baseless.”

Santos claimed in an innocent tone that he was fully focused on his granddaughter’s baptism on the day of the murder-attempt. Supporters wearing t-shirts emblazoned with Maduro’s face massed in Caracas on Monday, with the president due to address the crowd from the Miraflores palace in the afternoon. But if we have to give our lives, we will,” said Henry Jaimes, 37, an employee of Caracas’ Youth Institute, as he waved a sign saying, “Alive and winning with Maduro.”

But turnout was thin compared to previous marches, which would take over major avenues. Many Venezuelans who adored late leader Hugo Chavez have soured on Maduro, his far less charismatic successor. Venezuela’s government said suspects launched two DJI M600 drones laden with C4 explosives over an outdoor rally Maduro was holding in downtown Caracas to commemorate the founding of the National Guard on Saturday. One drone was “diverted” by security forces while the second fell on its own and hit an apartment building, authorities said.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro skips a rally in Caracas following weekend drone blasts that he called an assassination attempt, surprising and confusing some supporters in attendance.