UPDATE: Six arrested in Venezuela after drone attack

Six people have been arrested in Venezuela for involvement in an apparent assassination attempt on President Nicolás Maduro, the interior minister says.

The BBC reported that Nestor Reverol said they were part of a group that loaded two drones with explosives and set them off during a military parade in the capital Caracas.

According to the BBC, Maduro has warned the perpetrators face "maximum punishment".

He has blamed Colombia for the incident but provided no evidence.
Colombia said the accusation was "baseless".

The government has also pointed the finger at the opposition, prompting fears of a new crackdown.

Many opposition leaders have already left the country citing government harassment and there are reported to be more than 200 political prisoners in the country's jails.

Meanwhile, the BBC said Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez declared his unconditional loyalty to the president on national TV.

"We are determined, determined to defend our homeland, our constitution, our democracy, our institutions," he said.

Correspondents say Maduro has relied heavily on the armed forces to keep power in the midst of an economic crisis and political turmoil.