Police, protesters clash in Caracas

Clashes have erupted between anti-government protesters and police in the Venezuelan capital Caracas as the South American country marks the first passing anniversary of its former leader Hugo Chavez.

According to reports, dozens of government opponents set up barricades and set fire to trash in a middle-class neighborhood of Caracas on Wednesday.

The demonstrators threw firebombs and stones at security forces. Riot police struck back with tear gas to disperse the crowd.

There is currently no report of any casualties or arrests.

Earlier on the day, hundreds of demonstrators reportedly marched on one of the main squares of the capital against President Nicolas Maduro’s policies.

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, pro-government protesters known as the Chavistas, along with Venezuelan troops, joined a parade to honor the late Venezuelan president.

Venezuela has been the scene of violent pro- and anti-government demonstrations since mid February, which have left at least 18 people dead and more than 260 others injured.

The opposition blames the Latin American country’s government for high crime rate and economic hardships, claiming that its policies have led to a shortage of essential goods and high inflation.

Maduro, however, says the opposition seeks to launch a coup d’état in the South American country with the backing of Washington.