Anti-Maduro protesters run for cover as riot police fires tear gas in the streets of Caracas

Venezuelan riot police fired tear gas as protests turned violent in the streets of Caracas yesterday (April 30).

Footage captured in Francisco de Miranda Avenue shows Venezuelan riot police firing tear gas canisters at protesters, who can be seen running for cover.

Clashes between protesters and police erupted after the Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaid'o called on Venezuelans and military to back him in what he named ''Operation Freedom'', a final phase of ousting President Nicolas Maduro.

Guaid'o's attempt to spark a military uprising failed and also triggered a violent response from security forces, who used repressive tactics to crush small pockets of protesters.

Meanwhile, Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro claimed to have defeated Guaid'o's ''attempted coup'' and vowed to remain in government.

Despite Guaid'o's failure to gain military support, the opposition leader remains defiant and has called for mass protests later today (May 1).