In pictures: Venezuela strike intensifies

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has vowed to break a crippling week-long general strike hitting the country's vital oil industry. Meanwhile, supporters and opponents of the president have been confronting each other on the streets.

Tanker crews have joined the striking opposition protesters

A woman prays for a victim of the Caracas shootings, as President Chavez denies any role in them

Opponents and supporters of President Chavez clashed in Caracas

There were six arrests after gunmen shot dead three demonstrators in Caracas

The Friday night shooting spread panic at the opposition rally in Altamira Plaza

Violence erupted in Caracas just after opposition leaders said they would extend the strike

Some demonstrators are out in support of the president