2017.06.2722:05:00UTC+00ECOPETROL: Protesters Halt 81 Wells In Colombia's Largest Oil Field

State-owned oil company Ecopetrol reported "intimidation" against workers and blockades that have been occurring since Monday at Rubiales field, the largest in Colombia, by several people who identified themselves as members of the Alto Unuma indigenous community. Demonstrators seized the facilities of the Water Disposal Plant 6 and ordered the operators to halt operations, causing the shutdown of 81 producing wells, or 9,500 barrels per day. They also prohibited the entry of personnel on duty to carry out the relay, affecting the work of more than 400 people, Ecopetrol said in a statement. Protesters want the Interior Ministry to recognize the Buenos Aires' community, in the village of Rubiales, as an indigenous group. Their claim is under analysis by the Ministry.