Nicaragua's military called for a halt to violence that has rocked the country during weeks of protests and a deadly crackdown by police and supporters of President Daniel Ortega's government. The protests have expanded to at least eight departments, including clashes over the weekend between protesters, police and pro-government civilian groups. "We wish to reiterate the call and commitment to put an end to the death and the destruction," the president said. Thousands of Nicaraguans who organized on social media took part Sunday in a caravan of vehicles, motorcycles and small buses in solidarity. The demonstrations began in April as protests against a since-canceled move to cut social security benefits and increase payroll taxes but have expanded into calls for Ortega to step down.

Source: ABC News May 14, 2018 01:36 UTC