26 Apr 2020 | 01:55 AM UTC
Venezuela: Residents of Cumaná clash with security forces in protest April 25
Residents of Cumaná (Sucre state) clash with police during protest over food shortages on April 25; further demonstrations likely over the near term
Event
On Saturday, April 25, protesters clashed with police forces in Cumaná (Sucre state), resulting in several arrests. According to media reports, protests started due to food shortages and a subsequent rise in prices due to the failure in food distribution in the area, as well as fuel shortages. Additionally, several grocery shops in the area have reportedly been broken into and robbed in the past week.
Additional protest action and unrest should be anticipated in the near term. A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are expected near any demonstration site, and clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Advice
Individuals in Venezuela are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
