Several people injured in fresh Caracas clashes

Violent clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters in Venezuela’s capital city of Caracas have left several people injured.

Clashes broke out after Venezuela National Police officers and anti-riot police used tear gas to disperse students of the Central University of Venezuela, who were marching toward the offices of Vice President Jorge Arreaza on Thursday.

Protesters also threw rocks and tossed back tear gas canisters at police during the clashes in the capital.

Student protest leader Hilda Rubi Gonzalez said the clashes left at least “seven people injured with concussions, fractures and open wounds,” but they were all “in a stable condition.”

The municipality of Caracas district of Chacao was also the scene of clashes between a small group of hooded protesters launching rocks at the riot police, who responded with tear gas.

Venezuela has been the scene of demonstrations between supporters and opponents of the government since February 4. At least 39 people have been killed and hundreds have been injured in the protests so far.

The opposition has criticized the government for high crime rates and economic hardships, claiming that the policies of the administration of Maduro have led to a shortage of essential goods and a high inflation rate.

This is while Caracas says the United States is fanning the flames of the unrest in an effort to topple Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.