Vandals cause extensive damage to public, private property

Assistant Chief of Security for Operations announced that on Thursday, several villages witnessed acts of domestic terror including the theft and torching of cars, and the street blockades. The cars were torched in the middle of congested roads and the streets of villages were blocked with large rocks and lampposts that vandals had stolen.

Rioters also burned tyres and waste bins, scattered nails and oil on the roads, and damaged public and private property in an attempt to prevent people from going to work.

The rioters attacked police with petrol bombs and iron rods, as well detonated a number of homemade bombs endangering the lives of innocent bystanders and security personnel.

The Assistant Chief said the police used restraint to restore order and all force used was necessary and proportionate. A number of policemen were injured in the process and were referred to hospital.