Latin America and Caribbean

US Raises Nicaragua Threat Level As Violent Protests Continue

On Monday, the State Department upped the Nicaragua threat level to 3 and warned Americans against traveling to the country.

US Raises Nicaragua Threat Level As Violent Protests Continue
Voice of America
SMS

The U.S. has raised the travel advisory level for Nicaragua as deadly protests continue across the country.

On Monday, the State Department upped the threat level to 3 — the second-highest level — and warned Americans against traveling to Nicaragua due to "crime and civil unrest."  

The agency ordered U.S. government family members to leave the country, and it authorized the departure of government personnel.

A controversial social security reform package sparked violent demonstrations throughout Nicaragua. Human rights groups say dozens of people have died in clashes with police.

President Daniel Ortega decided to scrap the changes Sunday. But some protesters say they won't back down until Ortega is ousted.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.