Nicaragua: Security forces launch offensive on Monimbó July 17 /update 34

Event

Pro-government security forces and paramilitary fighters launched an offensive on the opposition stronghold of Monimbó (a suburb of Masaya) on Tuesday, July 17. Hundreds of pro-government fighters reportedly surrounded and blocked off all roads to Monimbó and exchanged fire with anti-government protesters as part of an operation to clear barricades erected by protesters from the streets; at least two people were killed in the clashes before pro-government forces seized control of the area. Additional violent protests and clashes between pro-government forces and anti-government demonstrators are expected in Nicaragua, particularly in the Masaya area, in the coming days.

Context

The current unrest, which began with small student protests in Managua in mid-April before rapidly expanding, has been ongoing now for nearly three months. Regular protests have repeatedly led to deadly clashes, looting, and other violence throughout the country. Despite government efforts, roadblocks erected by protesters in cities and on highways across the country have hindered road travel and goods deliveries. Early store closures have become common amid the violence and shortages, with the streets of Managua reportedly emptying around 18:00 (local time) due to fears of violence carried out by pro-government armed groups (grupos de choque).

More than 300 people have reportedly been killed in the ongoing unrest. Over 150 others have been reported missing (many likely being unlawfully detained by police) and more than 2000 others have been wounded. According to figures from Asociación Nicaragüense Pro Derechos Humanos (ANPDH) from late June, fatalities have been registered in the capital Managua (145), Masaya (35), León (20), Chinandega (8), Carazo (5), Rivas (1), Caribe Norte (20), Caribe Sur (1), Boaco (4), Jinotega (8), Río San Juan (3), Estelí (13), Granada (2), Madriz (2), Matagalpa (15), and Chontales (3). Activists have accused the government and pro-government militias of committing serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, using weapons of war against protesters, arbitrary detentions, torture, excessive use of force, raiding homes without a warrant, and attacking the press.

The World Medical Association (WMA) has also warned that the country's health system has collapsed amid the crisis, with hospitals reportedly turning away injured protesters and doctors pressured by the government to refuse care. The ongoing violence has also prevented health workers from carrying out mosquito eradication efforts, increasing the risk of large-scale outbreaks of diseases such as dengue fever and malaria.

Advice

Individuals in Nicaragua are advised to closely monitor the situation, strictly avoid all protests due to the risk of violence and arrest, and adhere to any advice issued by their home governments. Some countries, including the US, the UK, and France, continue to advise their nationals to postpone nonessential travel to the country until further notice.