U.S. pulling staffers out of Nicaragua as riots, looting intensify

John Bacon | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Roads blocked in evening protests in Nicaragua's capital Roads blocked in evening protests in Nicaragua's capital Video provided by AFP

The State Department ordered the families of its personnel out of Nicaragua on Monday and authorized departure of some staffers as riots and looting intensified across the Central American nation.

The department also advised Americans planning travel to Nicaragua to "reconsider" their plans.

"Violent crime, such as sexual assault and armed robbery, is common," the department said in a statement. "Police presence and emergency response are extremely limited outside of major urban areas."

The violence was sparked by a government plan to overhaul its pension system. Last week, President Daniel Ortega approved a plan to raise contributions from workers and their employers to help fund the country's struggling pension system. The plan also called for cuts in benefits.

When the protests heated up, Ortega cracked down. The army was called in to help quell disturbances, and independent media were squeezed. But he also dropped the pension plan and called for talks aimed at solving the nation's budgetary quandary.

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The rallies, some led by students, others by workers and business leaders, have also targeted the iron grip Ortega has held on power since winning the presidency in 2007 with only 38% of the vote.

Ortega's overwhelming victories since then have been dismissed by foes as a product of fraudulent elections. Ortega's vice president is his wife, Rosario Murillo.

"The protests are no longer just for the (pensions), they are against a government that denies us freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and to demonstrate peacefully," political science student Clifford Ramirez, 26, told Agence France-Presse.

The state department warned that the rallies have been met by tear gas, pepper spray and sometimes live ammunition. Dozens have been killed in the protests, the Associated Press reported.

Murillo has defended the government response, describing it as a "legitimate defense against a tiny group" of troublemakers.

The U.S. embassy is providing only essential, emergency services.

"Ability to purchase food and fuel may be limited," the statement said. "Both the Government of Nicaragua and the U.S. Embassy in Managua are limited in the assistance they can provide."

The department's statement came one day after another statement condemning the "violence and excessive force" being used by police and others. That statement also urged Ortega's regime to allow journalists to operate freely.

"The United States government regrets the loss of life and injuries suffered in Nicaragua during protests by its citizens," Sunday's statement said. It called for a "broad‎-based dialogue involving all sectors o‎f society" aimed at returning stability and restoring respect for human rights in the nation of 6 million people.