Venezuela Protests 2014: At Least 2 Deaths Reported in Political Clashes [Video]

Venezuela is once again making headlines due to violent political clashes in its capital, Caracas.

At least two people were confirmed dead on Wednesday night after clashes that followed political protests. Opponents of President Nicolas Maduro were organizing protests in the capital when they encountered pro-government militias who reportedly opened fire on the protesters, who were at the time actively engaged in skirmishes with the government's security forces.

"Today, we have confirmed the deaths of two students who were peacefully in this demonstration," opposition lawmaker María Corina Machado said to the Wall Street Journal. Machado said the violence was "the product of a treacherous and cowardly attack by security forces and armed collectives."

Some news outlets were reporting three deaths as of late Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, Maduro blamed the violence on the protestors who have been vocally calling for his removal and backing the opposition.

"This violent group had this planned out," Maduro said, accusing opposition leaders of trying to start a civil war. "All the fascist groups that stirred violence throughout the country have been photographed and videotaped."

While opposition to Maduro, and more specifically the regime that came into power in Venezuela with the late Hugo Chavez, is strong, opposition unity is starting to deteriorate according to sources on the ground.

Moderates who helped to mount a formidable challenge in the last election behind the candidacy of Henrique Capriles, are worried that street protests are taking focus away from the on-the-ground efforts needed to make serious political change.

"While there are plenty of reasons to protest, there does not seem to be an agenda for the current wave. #LaSalida (The Exit) is not a strategy. It's a hashtag!" the anti-government blog Caracas Chronicles was quoted in Euronews. "The street protests, along with the public bickering they are engendering, are creating a false sense that our actions can undo the regime."