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Video footage of the attack shows soldier fleeing Avenida Bolivar, a main street in the capital, while screams can be heard in the background. Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said seven soldiers were injured but President Maduro was "fine" and had been taken to safety. He added: "We have proof that this was an assassination attempt. They've failed." A broadcast of the speech was abruptly stopped following the suspected attack.

The head of state was standing on a stage alongside his wife and high ranking members of the military. Mr Maduro was talking about the economy before he suddenly looked up, looking startled and the broadcast cut away from the podium. Taking to Twitter after the incident, the country's President said: "I trust the armed force to capture those responsible for the war against the people." Video footage of the moment the explosion occurred shows members of Mr Maduro’s security team surrounding the President and protecting him with black bulletproof panels.

The suspected explosion hit during a speech by the country's president

The President said an investigation into the incident was launched immediately and some of those responsible had already been caught. He added initial investigations suggested several financiers and planners of Saturday’s attack live in Florida. He has called for help from US President Donald Trump to help bring those responsible to justice. The government have blamed "terrorists" for the explosion. However, firefighters at the scene have disputed Mr Rodriguez's claims the panic was caused by an attack.

President Maduro's security were quick to protect him after the incident

Speaking under condition of anonymity, the emergency workers said the commotion was caused by a gas tank explosion in an apartment. The military has since searched a nearby residential building for explosives. The country's leader was addressing the military to mark the 81st anniversary of the Bolivarian National Guard. The national guard was first formed in 1937 with the aim of operating across all states in Venezuela.

Military are searching a residential building after the attack

It's thought drone attacks are responsible for the explosion