Otavalo becomes a battleground as police and soldiers confront rock-throwing protesters

An additional 5,000 soldiers and police are on their way to Imbabura Province following a pitched battle Tuesday morning between Conaie strikers and government forces in Otavalo. The enforcements will bring to 7,000 the security personnel assigned to the province.

Police fired teargas at protesters Tuesday morning in Otavalo.

Trouble began before dawn Tuesday as the government convoy carrying supplies left Ibarra for Otavalo, 22 kilometers to the south. As the convoy approached Otavalo, it was attacked by rock- and bottle-throwing gangs hidden between buildings and in agricultural fields. Two soldiers were injured as rocks shattered windows on their bus and dozens of government and private vehicles were damaged.

As the convoy entered Otavalo, heading for the plaza where supplies were to be distributed, the attacks intensified. Police and soldiers left the buses and troop carriers to confront protesters, firing teargas and rubber bullets.

At 12.30 p.m., the Interior Ministry said that at least 43 people had been arrested but added the number could go higher. Videos posted on social media show police making arrests, often dragging detainees through the streets to waiting vans.

Television station Teleamazonas estimated at noon that at least 100 people had been injured, with many being treated at the local hospital and two public clinics. Later, the tv station revised its figures, reporting that 50 people had been inured, 22 of them seriously. The Interior Ministry said 13 soldiers and police have been injured, several requiring hospitalization.

Police and protesters face each other Tuesday morning in Otavalo.

A spokesman for the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities (Conaie), called the convoy a “military invasion of indigenous lands” and said the government’s claim of a humanitarian mission was “fraudulent.” The spokesman later claimed two protesters had been killed although the Interior Ministry said it had no confirmation.

Late in the morning, two military helicopters delivered additional teargas cannisters and other equipment.

Interior Minister John Reimberg said in a press briefing that the 5,000 military and police reinforcements are in Quito and will arrive in Otavalo and Imbabura province beginning Tuesday night. “We were prepared for today’s trouble and had the troops on standby notice to join the operation,” he said.

Reimberg also claimed that leaders of illegal mining operations in Imbabura Province are supporting the strikers. “They are angry about the increase of diesel costs, and they are angry that the government is permanently shutting down the illegal mines at Buenos Aires,” he said. “Our personnel will remain at the location, as we are doing at Camilo Ponce Enríquez in Azuay, and put an end to their operations for good.”

Tuesday night, Otavalo Mayor Anabel Hermosa announced that the Catholic Church is attempting to organize talks between the government and Imbabura indigenous organizations. “Discussions are underway toward this end and we hope to bring the two sides to the table as quickly as possible,” she said.