Handout picture released by the Venezuelan Presidency showing Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro (center) attending during the promotion ceremony of members of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) at the Military school in Caracas, Venezuela on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Ten Colombian "paramilitaries" died during violent clashes between armed groups and security forces that have ravaged Caracas, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Monday.

Firefights first broke out Wednesday evening, forcing people to flee their homes. The socialist leader said at least 20 "Colombian paramilitaries" helped train armed groups that have carried out constant shootings, leaving an unknown number of civilians killed by "stray bullets."

"At least 20 Colombian paramilitaries, we captured three with their weapons, it seems that others were killed who are being identified," Maduro said in front of the presidential Miraflores Palace.

"I don't know if the number they gave me is exact, 10 killed, and there are others fleeing and we are looking for them." 

Venezuela's armed forces have engaged in clashes with Colombian armed groups along the border since March 21, displacing thousands of civilians who fled to Colombia.

Venezuela does not name the armed groups it blames for the unrest, apart from calling them "terrorists" or linking them to drug trafficking or to Colombian President Ivan Duque. However, security sources in Colombia say they are likely dissidents of the now-disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group, an analysis Maduro - who has accused Colombia and the United States of seeking to overthrow him - has conceded was possible.

Venezuela and Colombia severed diplomatic ties in January 2019, after Bogota recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the leader of Venezuela over Maduro following a disputed election.