WASHINGTON — Twitter photos and videos appear to be blocked in Venezuela as the government there attempts to reassert control amid widespread public protests.

Three people were reportedly killed this week in massive student demonstrations in the capital Caracas, as protesters react to falling living standards. President Nicolas Maduro has called the protests a "neo-fascist" coup attempt, and sought the arrest of an opposition leader. The Venezuelan government has not commented on, or claimed credit for, the apparent Twitter block.

Venezuelans said on Twitter Thursday that they are unable to access certain images and avatar photos on the service, which has been used to rally the opposition. The problem appears to be affecting people who are using CANTV, the state-run internet provider, to access Twitter, though at least one Twitter user said another company was also affected. Venezuelan blogger Zahamira G. Cassis told BuzzFeed it is "completely true" that users were losing access to photos.