The Police of Guatemala has reported that it has managed to clear the blockades set up by protesters on the main access and exit roads of Guatemala City, in the context of the protests against the rising fuel prices, which have caused disturbances and clashes with the security forces.
"Mission accomplished. Traffic has been restored throughout the country. The roads are free of blockades, allowing Guatemalans to continue their way," the Guatemalan Police has reported in a statement on social media.
In any case, the authorities have asked the population to circulate "with caution" and to pay attention at all times to the instructions of the security forces deployed on the roads.
After the roadblocks that led to violent clashes with agents, the security forces have reported the presence of gangs and structures linked to organized crime among the participants in the protests.
In this context, they have confirmed the detention of at least 150 people for their involvement in the blockades and for public order disturbances during the clashes with the Police, to whom they "threw stones and other blunt objects."
The mobilizations have continued throughout the week, with blockades on the main routes of the country and, in recent days, at the access and exits of the Guatemalan capital, significantly affecting traffic and daily activity.