Thousands are protesting in Venezuela's capital in a bid to topple President Nicolás Maduro's government.

Four people reportedly died in overnight clashes ahead of the opposition protests.

Mr Maduro was sworn in for a second term in early January, after a poll considered a sham by much of the international community.

Venezuela has been in economic freefall for a number of years under his leadership.

Hyperinflation and key shortages, including of food, has forced millions out of the country.

US President Donald Trump has said he recognises Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president.

Authorities say two protesters are dead and five others injured in anti-government demonstrations in the Venezuelan city of San Cristobal.

A spokeswoman for the state of Tachira’s health agency said the two demonstrators were shot to death but provided no further details.

At least one other person has been killed in this week’s unrest.

Meanwhile demonstrators in Caracas are facing off against security forces firing rubber bullets and tear gas as they march through the capital.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president in a defiant speech Wednesday before masses of anti-government demonstrators who took to the streets to demand President Nicolas Maduro's removal — a bold move that was immediately recognized by the Trump administration and a growing number of other Western nations.

President Donald Trump called on Maduro to resign and said the U.S. would use the "full weight" of its economic and diplomatic power to push for the restoration of Venezuela's democracy. Canada as well as Brazil, Colombia and several other Latin American nations followed suit in throwing their support behind Guaido.