CARACAS, March 16 ― Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro created a military unit yesterday charged with protecting basic installations and services such as electricity and water just over a week after the country was hit with a massive blackout.

Maduro blamed that on a cyber attack directed by the United States but critics say the government was at fault for failing to maintain infrastructure.

Speaking on television and radio, Maduro said the "Command for the Defense of Basic Strategic Services” would be tasked with ensuring "security, operability and maintenance.”

Its officers would be responsible for guaranteeing both "physical and cybernetic” security of infrastructure and maintenance of equipment.

Maduro repeated his claim that the blackout, which lasted almost a week, was due to "successive attacks” against the country's major hydroelectric facility at Guri in Bolivar state, "directed” by US President Donald Trump's national security advisor John Bolton.

The blackout hit on March 7 and paralysed the entire country.

The government announced on Tuesday that power was back on in practically the whole country but western regions still reported cuts.

The socialist leader accused the opposition of concocting a plan "to accompany the blackout with general violence,” claiming it was neutralised.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido launched a challenge to Maduro's leadership in January by declaring himself acting president.

He has since been recognized by more than 50 countries, led by the US.

He said the blackout was caused by burning vegetation that damaged equipment.

Maduro accused him of "sabotage,” although experts doubt that version of events.

Venezuela has been in recession for more than four years and is suffering from an economic crisis.

An estimated 2.7 million people have left the country as poverty soared leaving shortages of food and medicines. ― AFP