Protests by police threaten Ecuador government
(CNN) — Ecuador teetered on the verge of a government collapse Thursday, as national police took to the streets of Quito, the capital, over what they say was the cancellation of bonuses and promotions, images on the official Ecuador TV showed.
The broadcast showed mobs on the streets and clouds of black smoke coming from burning tires and garbage. Sporadic looting was reported.
Rank-and-file police took over their headquarters, Ecuador TV said.
There also were reports that the military had taken control of their bases and the airport.
Government officials tried to quell the rebellion, insisting that the security forces had been misinformed and warning that the nation’s democracy was in danger.
“I want to tell the country there has been an attempt at a coup,” said Gabriel Rivera of the Country Accord Party.
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