Venezuela death toll rises to 34 as troops and protesters clash

Anti-government protesters clash with riot police during a protest against Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas March 20, 2014. REUTERS/Christian Veron

CARACAS (Reuters) - Three Venezuelans died from gunshot wounds during protests against socialist President Nicolas Maduro, witnesses and local media said on Saturday, pushing the death toll from almost two months of anti-government demonstrations to 34.

Troops briefly clashed with a small group of protesters who attempted to block a highway in an upscale neighbourhood of Caracas after thousands of opposition sympathizers marched to demand the release of students imprisoned during the unrest.