QUITO, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador's government on Monday condemned violent incidents over the weekend in Imbabura province, which left one citizen dead, 12 soldiers injured and 17 others missing amid massive protests.
The protests were triggered after the government announced on Sept. 12 that it would end diesel subsidies. Diesel price soon surged, sparking fierce opposition from transport unions, Indigenous communities, and workers. A 60-day state of emergency in seven provinces was initiated on Sept. 16.
Protesters ambushed a convoy carrying food supplies to northern highland communities, presidential spokeswoman Carolina Jaramillo told a press conference.
"These terrorist acts disguised as protests are not peaceful," she said, adding that groups of "terrorists" had infiltrated the protests, aiming to provoke clashes among Ecuadorians.
Jaramillo said the case must be investigated by the proper authorities.
"This is no longer a protest. These are crimes that threaten lives and disrupt communities," she said.
