(CNN) Venezuela faced more turmoil on Monday when a small team of soldiers, claiming to be members of Venezuela's armed forces, attempted an uprising against the government of President Nicolas Maduro and triggered violent street protests in Caracas.

A man who identified himself as Sgt. Wandres Figueroa led a small group of uniformed men to the special security unit headquarters at approximately 2:50 a.m. local (1:50 a.m. ET). The incursion was registered on cell phone and distributed via social media. In the videos, Figueroa speaks to the camera and calls on Venezuelans to take to the streets.

Small groups of demonstrators appeared on the narrow streets of the Cotiza neighborhood. The protests were contained with tear gas, according to a CNN team on the ground.

National Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said the "small group of assailants" had been detained.

"The Bolivarian National Armed Forces categorically reject these types of acts, that with all certainty, are motivated by dark interests of the extreme right and are contrary to the elemental laws of military discipline, honor and traditions of our institution," Padrino's statement said.

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