Ecuador’s government spokeswoman Caroline Haramillo said on Monday that mass protests sparked by the government’s lifting of diesel subsidies led to clashes between demonstrators and security forces over the weekend in the northern province of Babra, resulting in one civilian death, 12 soldiers injured and 17 soldiers missing.
According to local media reports, the conflict began on the evening of the 27th and lasted until the 28th. The dead were inhabitants of a community in the city of Kotakach, in the province of Babra. Haramilo said that protesters in Kotakach on the 28th “volcade” a fleet that shipped food to the northern mountains, causing 12 security forces soldiers in the escort fleet injured and 17 disappeared.
Haramiro condemned the violence and said “some terrorist groups infiltrating the demonstrations” caused the escalation of the conflict.
The government of Ecuador on December 12 announced the abolition of diesel subsidies.National diesel prices subsequently increased by more than 55%, sparking strong opposition from the transport industry and social groups such as indigenous residents, workers and others.President Novaya issued a decree on November 16, declaring a 60-day state of emergency in seven provinces, including Pichincha, in the capital city of Quito.