Young protesters have broken down a metal fence guarding an air base in Caracas 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 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.

Venezuela protestDemonstrators take cover next to the fence of La Carlota Air Base in Caracas (Ariana Cubillos/AP)

 

Protesters also fought with security forces outside the base on Friday and activists burned some vehicles during the confrontation.

President Nicolas Maduro said in an address to troops on Saturday that he had managed to break up a US-backed plot to oust him.

Like his predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez, Mr Maduro frequently accuses the US of trying to topple Venezuela’s socialist administration.

People march next to the fence of La Carlota air base during a protest on the Francisco Fajardo highwayPeople march next to the fence of La Carlota air base during a protest on the Francisco Fajardo highway (Ariana Cubillos/AP)

 

He praised Venezuela’s military for standing by the government and warned that attempts are under way to try to sow further dissent.

More than 70 people have been killed and hundreds injured in almost three months of demonstrations.