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At least eight people have been wounded in Venezuela during opposition rallies, timed for the anniversary of the start of mass protests against the country’s president, Nicolas Maduro, El Universal reports, according to Sputnik News.

According to El Universal, the rallies took place in several major cities, including the capital Caracas, where students wearing masks blocked one of the central streets by setting garbage on fire and were throwing stones at police. At least 12 people were detained.

Protesters also clashed with police in San Cristobal, El Universal reports. Three students and four police officers were wounded as a result.

A series of protests against high levels of violence, record inflation and shortages of basic goods took place across Venezuela between February and June of last year. The Venezuelan government deemed the protests to be coup attempts and arrested a number of opposition leaders. Multiple rallies have been held in the country since the initial protests.

In December, US President Barack Obama approved sanctions on Venezuela, targeting individuals who are allegedly responsible for human rights violations during February protests against the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Maduro warned that the imposition of sanctions would worsen relations between the two countries, describing the move as imperialist and disrespectful. The president has also accused Washington of orchestrating several plots against Venezuela, claiming that the country's opposition is plotting a coup with US backing.