Hundreds of police protesting a new law that cuts their benefits plunged this small South American nation into chaos on Thursday, shutting down airports and blocking highways in a nationwide strike left citizens and businesses vulnerable to crime.
The rebellious officers fired tear gas and burned tires after taking over barracks in Quito, Guayaquil and other cities. They also set up roadblocks that cutt off highway access to the capital.
Schools shut down in Quito and many businesses closed due to the absence of police protection.
Looting was reported in the capital — where at least two banks were sacked — and in the coastal city Guayaquil. That city’s main newspaper, El Universo, reported assaults on supermarkets and robberies due to the absence of police.
The U.S. Embassy issued a message warning U.S. citizens “of a “nationwide strike by all levels of police, including military police.” It warned them to “stay in their homes or current location, if safe.”
There were no reports of serious violence against the government, but President Rafael Correa was shouted down and pelted with water as he tried to speak with a group of police protesters.
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