Security forces spray demonstrators with water canons during an anti-government protest. (AP Photo/Ariana Cub)
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Young protesters broke down a metal fence guarding an air base in Caracas on Saturday before being repelled by security forces firing tear gas in another day of anti-government protests in Venezuela’s capital.
Demonstrators threw stones and some protesters were injured.
The clashes took place after a peaceful mass demonstration next to La Carlota base where a 22-year-old protester was killed this week when a national guardsman shot him in the chest at close range with rubber bullets.
Protesters also fought with security forces outside the base Friday and activists burned some vehicles during the confrontation.
President Nicolas Maduro said in an address to troops Saturday that he had managed to break up a U.S.-backed plot to oust him. Like his predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez, Maduro frequently accuses the U.S. of trying to topple Venezuela’s socialist administration.
Maduro praised Venezuela’s military for standing by the government and he warned that attempts are underway to try to sow further dissent.
More than 70 people have been killed and hundreds injured in almost three months of demonstrations.
