The United States denied accusations made by Venezuela that US diplomats were leading the organization of anti-government protests in the country.

The United States denied accusations made by Venezuela that US diplomats were leading the organization of anti-government protests in the country.

Calling the claims "baseless and false", the statement by the US State Department comes a day after Venezuela expelled the diplomats Breann Marie McCusker, Jeffrey Gordon Elsen and Kristopher Lee Clark from the Latin American country.

"The allegation that the United States is helping to organize protesters in Venezuela is baseless and false. We support human rights and fundamental freedoms - including freedom of expression and of peaceful assembly - in Venezuela as we do in countries around the world," spokeswoman Jan Psaki said.

Small anti-government protests over high inflation, crime and the shortage of some staples have been ongoing since Nicolas Maduro took over the presidency from the late Hugo Chavez, who died from cancer shortly after he was re-elected in office.

The opposition accused pro-government militias called "colectivos" of firing on and killing protesters.

Opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, a former mayor of Chacao district, in eastern Caracas, has been accused of inciting violence and is wanted by the authorities.