Residents walk past City Hall that was burned overnight during clashes between anti-government demonstrators with police and government supporters in Masaya, Nicaragua, Sunday, May 13, 2018. According to Nicaragua's Human Rights Protection Association, two people died and at least 100 were injured during the violence. (AP Photo/Alfredo Zuniga)
May 13, 2018 - 6:59 PM
MANAGUA, Nicaragua - Nicaragua's military called for a halt to violence that has rocked the country during weeks of protests and a deadly crackdown by police and supporters of President Daniel Ortega's government.
In a statement late Saturday, the army also expressed solidarity with families of those who have died — more than 60, according to a human rights group.
"We are the people themselves, in uniform, working for their benefit, and as a consequence we call for an end to the violence and actions that destabilize us," the statement said.
It added that dialogue "is the only route" to avoid "irreversible harm" to the country in the political, social, economic and security spheres.
The protests have expanded to at least eight departments, including clashes over the weekend between protesters, police and pro-government civilian groups.
Homes and other buildings burned in the conflict areas, while official media accused a "vandal right wing" of seeking a "soft coup" against Ortega's government.
The most serious clashes occurred in Masaya, about 20 miles (30 kilometres) from the capital, Managua. Two more people died and at least 100 were wounded, according to the Nicaraguan Association for Protection of Human Rights.
"It was a brutal attack against the civil population, which defended itself with stones and mortars against weapons of war," said the group's executive director, Alvaro Leiva.
After 10 days with no public appearances, Ortega said in a brief audio statement that he is committed to peace.
"We wish to reiterate the call and commitment to put an end to the death and the destruction," the president said. "May the bloodshed of our brothers not continue."
Thousands of Nicaraguans who organized on social media took part Sunday in a caravan of vehicles, motorcycles and small buses in solidarity.
"We are here to say we are present to Masaya," said Magally Jerez, who whistled and waved a flag from the window of her car.
Roman Catholic Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes called on all actors to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The demonstrations began in April as protests against a since-cancelled move to cut social security benefits and increase payroll taxes but have expanded into calls for Ortega to step down.
News from © The Associated Press, 2018