Violent clashes between federal police and teachers blocking a major highway in Oaxaca left eight people dead Sunday.
Police say they were forced to use their weapons after they were fired upon by demonstrators as they tried to clear a major highway intersection northwest of the state capital that had been blocked by dissident teachers for six days. The incident left left 53 civilians and 55 police officers injured. Twenty-three arrests were made.
While there have been no further clashes in Oaxaca since Sunday, teachers and their supporters continue to block as many as 18 highways. Goods trucks from Mexico City, Puebla, Veracruz and other major cities are being prevented from arriving at their destinations. Hotels, restaurants and other tourist services say they are loosing money and there’s even talk if canceling the state’s major July visitor attraction, the Guelaguetza.
The tense situation prompted the U.S. State Department to prohibit their employees from traveling to Oaxaca and warn citizens of the risks involved.
President Enrique Peña Nieto ordered an immediate inquiry into Sunday’s incident and sent his condolences to the families of those killed.
Please login or subscribe to view the complete article.
No Comments Available