(28) An attack by protesters on Tuesday killed a soldier and injured twelve, including five police officers, during domestic protests against the government. The Armed Forces reported that the demonstrations had completed two weeks.
The agency said in a statement that “illegal armed groups blocked with firearms” a convoy of tanker trucks carrying diesel to “continue production” from an oil block in the Amazon.
The incident occurred while the tankers were en route to the Ishpingo, Tambococha and Tiputini (ITT) block in the eastern province of Orellana, on the Peruvian border. More than one billion barrels of oil, the main export item, are stored here.
ITT is located in Yasuni Park, which is considered a world biosphere reserve.
The Armed Forces has classified the actions of the indigenous movement, which has closed highways since 13 June, demanding reductions in fuel prices on national soil, as “terrorist”.
Regardless of the military agency’s latest report, protests involving marches in various cities resulted in the deaths of five protesters, the injury of more than 500 soldiers and civilians, and the detention of 150, according to sources.
The demonstrations, which affect activities at more than 1,100 wells, focus on oil production. According to the government, if the protests continue, Ecuador may stop mining black gold by Tuesday.
According to the Ministry of Energy, Ecuador’s daily output on June 12 was at 520,000 barrels.
source: Noticias
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