Blasts Raise Terrorism Fears in Venezuela

Powerful explosions just minutes apart devastated the Spanish and Colombian diplomatic missions Tuesday, injuring four people and raising fears that Colombian-style terror has reached next-door Venezuela. The attacks in Caracas came two days after President Hugo Chavez denounced Colombia and Spain, among other nations, for allegedly interfering in Venezuelan affairs. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the blasts. Leaflets supporting Chavez’s “Bolivarian Revolution,” a political movement loosely based on the writings of 19th century independence hero Simon Bolivar, were found outside both missions. But Chavez’s government dismissed the papers as a “ridiculous” plant and said no one should jump to conclusions. “We will find those responsible for this crime,” vowed Deputy Foreign Minister Arevalo Mendez. Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel repudiated the attacks as “a form of terrorism never seen in Venezuela,” and suggested Chavez opponents may have been involved. He said an anti-terrorism task force would be created and offered condolences to the Colombian and Spanish people. Full Story