Venezuela hit by nationwide power outages, government blames saboteurs
Al Jazeera
In the wake of last month’s contested presidential election, officials have been quick to blame opponents for disruptions.
Most of Venezuela woke up to a power outage, with the authorities claiming saboteurs had targeted the national electricity network.
On Friday, Communications Minister Freddy Nanez said on state channel VTV that the blackout hit at approximately 4:40am (08:40 GMT) with “nearly all the national territory” – including the capital Caracas – reporting “total or partial loss” of electricity supply.
“We have been victims, once again of electrical sabotage,” said Nanez, without giving further details, adding that the authorities were working to fully restore service.
“The entire national government has been activated to overcome this new aggression,” he said.
Power cuts are not uncommon in Venezuela, although they are usually more localised.
