Caracas: Confusion is growing about an alleged attempt to assassinate Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. A previously unknown group has claimed responsibility an attack using explosive-laden drones at a military parade in the capital on Saturday.

Maduro, however, said initial investigations show several financiers and planners of the attack live in Florida, in the United States. He then blamed Venezuela's "far right" whom he said were working in conjuction with neighbouring Colombians.

Firefighters report there was no attack, and that explosions nearby were caused by a gas tank igniting in a nearby apartment block.

The government says drones loaded with explosives detonated close to a military event where the Venezuelan President was giving a speech on Saturday, but he and top government officials alongside him escaped unharmed.