He Block 16, which was previously operated by the company Petrolia, and is now in the hands of Petroecuador, it would be attacked by members of the Waorani nationality, according to sources from the Ministry of Energy. Five soldiers were injured in the accident.

The event would take place in the morning hours this April 5, when members of the Waorani nationality broke into the NPF (North Facilities Station) facilities. This is why they are members of the FF. AA. they activated means of deterrence (tear gas) “to protect the integrity of the people who were there and to protect state facilities”. According to the fact sheet, the indigenous people’s response would be to attack with firearms, “leaving five soldiers wounded”.

According to official reports, one of the shots, fired from the jungle, wounded the soldier in the neck. This one is in critical condition. They also recorded the entrance to the location with a camera. Air evacuation and military reinforcements were requested from the brigade commander.

It was also possible to check photos of damage caused to strategic infrastructure on social networks.

Picture of the damage caused in block 16. Photo: Courtesy

Blocks 16 and 67 operated during 38 years by Repsol and then by New Stratus (Petrolia) passed into state hands on January 1, 2023. when the concession contract is terminated. However, Petrolia insisted on extending the concession term, which the Ministry of Energy did not accept. A few days before the entry of the Petroecuador administration, representatives of the Waorani nationality initiated a de facto measure. On the one hand, they claimed that a series of offers had not been fulfilled for 38 years, and they also demanded the rehabilitation of environmental obligations. However, some indigenous leaders were satisfied with certain agreements reached with Petrolia, in case the company manages to extend the contract.

On the Waorani nationality requirements list is a monthly payment of $1,200 from Petroecuador to each Waorani community worker for the right of way, food and transportation, a payment of $25,000 for the death of a community member, Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS) coverage for all Woaorani families, a semi-annual bonus of $1,000 to single mothers and $2,000 to families in the community – also every six months -. these These are part of the nine-page demands drawn up by members of the Waorani Dicaro community, who currently occupy the access roads to block 16 and prevent the normal development of oil activities.

Problems with various indigenous communities have worsened in recent weeks, to the point that state-owned company Petroecuador had to declare force majeure in four fields: Auca, ITT, Block 16 and Block 12.

He On April 5, Petroecuador reported that an agreement had been reached with the communities located in the area around the Edén Yuturi block (block 12). In this sense, the cancellation of the declaration of force majeure was announced. Among the agreements reached with these communities was the commitment of Petroecuador to finance 100% of the comprehensive studies for the housing construction project and to accelerate the deadlines for meeting the deadlines. Previously, force majeure was removed from the communities located around the Auca (61) and ITT (43) blocks. Now the problems remain in block 16. (I)