Police fire tear gas at protesters in northern towns

Santiago.- Police agents fired tear gas and pellets to disperse protesters at Licey township, Santiago and parts of Moca on Tuesday, demanding repairs of streets, roads and against the blackouts, EFE reports.

Violent clashes between police and demonstrators marred the strike since the start, with no reports of injuries and at least five people arrested, according to police.

The demonstrators said they want the streets paved at Las Palomas, Uveral, Limonal, and a halt of the power outages among other demands.

Loud explosions were heard since early morning, which panic the residents and motorists traveling on the Santiago-Moca highway.