Military and riot police cleared the blockade in the morning, but were met with fierce resistance in the afternoon as they surrounded and attempted to push into the town. Protesters set up barricades and threw rocks, molotov cocktails, and at least one explosive device at the advancing security forces. Police countered with tear gas and flash grenades.
The clashes took place a day before negotiations between the government and indigenous leaders to end the strike are scheduled to take place in Otavalo, Imbabura province.